The history of U.S. social and legal policy in regard to psychoactive and intoxicating drug use has been characterized by periodic shifts, strong ideological presuppositions, and deep disappointment. Any analysis of current policy and the debate about drug legalization must recognize the historical roots of current policy that affect the various positions in the debate.

A brief historical note may help place the current discussion of drug policy in the United States in perspective. To borrow a phrase from Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. Those engaged in the current, often heated, discussions about national drug policy often act as if their concerns, insights, and positions about intoxication, drug use, and society are unique to our age. A cursory review of history indicates that the debate on the meaning and effects of alcohol and other...