Drugs timeline

Main

Morphine discovered as the main active alkaloid in opium

1804

By Friedrich Serturner in Paderborn, Germany

Morphine first marketed to the general public

1817

By Serturner and Company as an analgesic.

Merck begins commercial production of morphine

1827

In Darmstadt, Germany

Niemann publishes on the active alkaloid in Coca

1860

Diacetylmorphine (heroin) synthesized from morphine

1874

Amphetamine discovered in Japan and synthesized in Berlin

1887

Arthur Heffter isolates mescaline as the active compound in peyote

1897

Heroin brought to consumer market by Bayer

1898

Synthesis of oxycodone in Germany

1916

Founding of the Native American Church based on peyotism

1918

Alexander Fleming discovers antibiotic properties of penicilin

1928

Smith Kline and French begin selling amphetamine under the name Benzedrine

1933

Albert Hoffman discovers the effects of LSD

1943

Rhone-Poulenc in France discovers promethazine

1947

Paul Charpentier synthesizes chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

1950

Discovery of chlordiazepoxide (librium) from work on chemical dyes

1957

Diazepam enters market under brand name Valium

1963

Historical periods

American Civil War

1861 - 1865

Widespread usage of morphine via hypodermic syringe, recognition of a morphine addiction syndrome.

WWI

1914 - 1918

WWII

1938 - 1945

Widespread use of amphetamines and opioids by all sides.

Nixon Administration

1969 - 1974

Reagan Administration

1981 - 1989

Drug Control Legislation

Harrison Narcotics Tax Act

1914

Initiates control of opioids and coca

Prohibition of alcohol in the US

1920 - 1933

Marihuana Tax Act effectively illegalizes cannabis

1937

Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

1961

Amphetamine becomes a prescription drug

1965

Convention on Psychotropic Substances

1971

US Controlled Substances Act & creation of DEA