Cambridge Drug Crimes Lawyer Explains: Cocaine Prohibition
For those opposed to our government’s War on Drugs, especially more enlightened and sophisticated individuals, as well as many pragmatic Massachusetts criminal defense lawyers, the transformation of cocaine from a widely accepted drug with various medicinal benefits to an “evil” narcotic is somewhat astonishing. Cocaine is derived from the coca leaf, which grows in the Andes region of South America. In the 15th Century, the Incas grew coca bushes on plantations. The Incas chewed the leaves and in the 16thCentury gave the natives leaves to chew to keep them working long days in the fields and mines. Even today, chewing leaves is still practiced in South America and tea is made from the leaves and given to fatigued travelers. First extracted from coca leaves in 1855, cocaine is manufactured through a chemical process resulting in a white powder “salt” form. This cocaine hydrochloride form is a concentrated form of the leaf, and by 1880 was being rapidly manufactured. The salt, which dissolves in water, is snorted or injected. Crack cocaine, which looks somewhat like a rock crystal, is smoked. Freebase cocaine, developed in 1976, does not dissolve in water and is the purest form of the drug and is smoked.
Cocaine is known for being the drug for the wealthy, while crack the drug for the poor. Before its long-term affects were widely recognized, it was known as a status symbol for the rich and famous and was fashionable to use. Promoted as a cure for ailments such as fatigue and indigestion, cocaine was initially thought to be a “wonder drug.” Freud not only used cocaine, he believed he had discovered a cure for morphine addiction. Cocaine made its way into drinks, ointments and even chocolate bars. Vin Mariani, a popular wine sold in the late 1800s, was infused with cocaine. Coca Cola, invented in 1886, contained about 60mg per serving until the company removed the drug from the syrup in 1901. Cocaine was also used as a topical anesthetic in nasal and eye surgery during the late 1800s. In the 1970s cocaine’s miraculous health benefits resurfaced and it was once again promoted as a safe, cure-all drug.
Cambridge Drug Crimes Lawyer Explains: Cocaine Prohibition
The Harrison Narcotics Act, passed by Congress in 1914, banned all nonmedical use of cocaine. In the late 80s, mandatory sentencing laws were enacted making possession of 500g of powdered cocaine equal to 5g of crack, both carrying a mandatory minimum of years. Opponents of the law argue the law is racially biased since it more harshly punishes lower income users who primarily use less expensive crack cocaine. After Congress criminalized recreational use and distribution of cocaine, the prison population skyrocketed. In 1993, whites represented 4% of federal offenders, compared to blacks, who represented 88%. Under Federal law, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II stimulant, making it illegal to sell and possess without a license or prescription. The drug is illegal almost everywhere, but is used worldwide. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized possession of less than 2g of cocaine, essentially making it legal to use the drug recreationally but in no way condoning its production or distribution.
Recreational Use
The short-term effects of cocaine include alertness, intense happiness, and feelings of boundless energy and endurance. It generally suppresses the user’s appetite and may leave him feeling restless, anxious, and paranoid. The effects can last from fifteen minutes to one hour. During the high, cocaine triggers a rush of dopamine and serotonin, while temporarily blocking neurotransmitters from reabsorbing them. As a result, the user’s brain is temporarily bathed in dopamine and serotonin. As the drug wears off, serotonin and dopamine levels plunge, leaving the user feeling depressed and irritable — and craving more cocaine. Users will continue to snort or smoke cocaine until the supply is exhausted.
Addiction & Dangers
Although cocaine is not physically addictive, cocaine use sends more individuals to the Emergency Room than any other illicit drug. Those using cocaine will develop a tolerance to it, leading them to use greater and greater amounts of the drug. Unlike methamphetamine addicts who use their drug shortly after rising each morning, cocaine addicts tend postpone use until they have satisfied their daily obligations. Regular use subject users to more side effects of the drug, including hallucinations, delusions, and rapid heartbeat. Snorting cocaine can cause nose and sinus damage, including nasal perforation. Users risk stroke, kidney failure, and ulcers. Withdrawal may cause tremors, aches, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. However, within one to two weeks these symptoms should resolve. Any user may experience intense cravings for the drug, no matter how long it has been since his last use. This, of course, can make it incredibly difficult for individuals on probation to remain drug free and, therefore, in compliance with their probation requirements.
Contact a Cambridge, MA Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Kevin J. Mahoney is an experienced and skilled Cambridge Drug Crimes Lawyer who successfully defends those accused of drug crimes, such as possession, distribution and trafficking.
