In 1971, an estimated 24 million Americans reported use of marijuana at least once, and others reported experimental use of cocaine. At the same time, press accounts noted a growing use of marijuana and heroin by U.S. soldiers in Vietnam. The use of most illicit drugs has generally declined since the late 1970s, with marijuana remaining the most commonly used illegal drug. In the 1980s, popular use of cocaine, and later the smokeable cocaine base called crack, grew. In the early 1990s, authorities noted the growing use of Cat, an analogue of methamphetamine, in the Great Lakes region of the United States.
Various indicators show that drug use is on the increase.
Among 12th graders, rates of marijuana use remained high and increased for lifetime use, but for the first time since 1993 showed no significant change in annual, current or daily use. Because marijuana use by youth is highly correlated with future use of addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin, we must step up our efforts to prevent drug abuse among children of all ages. Survey data show a 13.2 percent current drug use rate for this age group in 1985. Drug Control Legislation M odern federal drug control legislation may be said to have begun with an 1887 act to keep aspects of the Chinese opium traffic from the United States and prohibit the involvement of U.S. citizens in that traffic. In 1914, Congress enacted the Harrison Narcotics Act to regulate traffic in narcotics and other drugs, require doctors and pharmacists to keep detailed records of drug distribution, and mandate the purchase of tax stamps to ensure oversight of drug sales.