Abstract
The article considers opiate usage and legislation in nineteenth century Australia, focusing on the contrast with contemporary laws controlling drugs of addiction. It then goes on to consider the first laws which prohibited the use of a particular drug for non-medicinal purposes, concluding that the origins of the opium prohibition laws had nothing to do with the health risks involved with drug use or dependence, but were rather a reflection of racism and a consequence of political expediency.
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Notes on contributors
D.R.A. Manderson
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.