The faster that cocaine enters the blood stream, the faster it reaches the brain, and the stronger the high. However, the high from cocaine, depending on the method of consumption only lasts 5-30 minutes. Therefore, users may engage in binge use. The body can build up tolerance to cocaine. The brain is permanently altered and many other health issues can occur, which are featured below ("Drugfacts: Cocaine," 2010).
The History of Cocaine:
Cocaine comes from the leaves of coca plants, which grow in the Andes Mountains. Native Americans have used the chewing of these leaves for centuries to relieve pain and illness. However, in the 1880's, companies began to sell the concentrated version, called cocaine hydrochloride, which was more pure and powerful than the leaves. In 1884, Sigmund Freud wrote about cocaine from Vienna and learned a lot about the substance from medical journals. This is around the time that cocaine began to be viewed a miracle drug, which could cure just about anything. Cocaine was soon included in certain types of wine. Then, it became included in the popular soda, Coca Cola, and daily items such as ointments and margarine (Hellerman, 2011).
In the 1890's, there were reports that people were taking too much cocaine, and medical patients were becoming addicted. By 1903, cocaine was no longer in Coca Cola. By 1914, the drug was associated with a negative stigma. Finally, by 1920, under the Harrison Narcotics Act, it was illegal to use cocaine unless it was prescribed by a doctor. However, until the 1930's, cocaine was still very prevalent in the music and media. In the late 1970's to 1980's, cocaine made a comeback and was now available in the form of crack. Those who used it were rich and trendy and it was used in movies such as "Scarface" and by rock stars, such as Eric Clapton. In this time, it was viewed as a drug that could be used to keep you partying all night long and the serious effects were not publicized. However, the number of deaths from the use of cocaine was increasing. In the late 1980's, Congress passed mandatory sentencing laws. Since this outburst in the 1980's, it is estimated that the number of users has decreased by nearly half (Hellerman, 2011).
Maryland Cocaine Laws:
Because I am from Maryland, I decided to look into the Cocaine laws for my state. I found them as follows:
" Possession: Misdemeanor with penalty of up to 4 yrs. and/or $25,000; Bringing 28 g. into state: felony with penalty of up to $50,000 and/or 25 yrs.; Subsequent offense: double penalties.
Sale: Felony with penalty of 20 yrs. and/or $25,000; Sale of more than 448 g. or 50 g. of crack: not less than 40 yrs.; Subsequent offense: double penalties; 2 yrs. mandatory, not less than 10 yr. sentence; Third offense: not less than 40 yrs. Sale to minors or near school property: stricter penalties.
Trafficking: If "drug kingpin" 20-40 yrs. and/or $1,000,000 fine. " ("Maryland cocaine laws," 2012)
My Reflection:
Going into this assignment, I really had little to no knowledge about cocaine other than things I have seen on television, which are probably false portrayals. I enjoyed learning about the history, because I had heard that it in was in Coca Cola soda, but never really knew if it was true. I also never knew that it was at some point used to benefit people. Based on my knowledge, I knew that cocaine was very dangerous and very addictive. However, I did not fully understand how it can impact the human body. As an occupational therapy major, I enjoyed learning how it affects the person as a whole, as well as finding that cognitive behavioral therapy is a common technique. Another part of this assignment I found to be interesting was looking into the laws about cocaine. The history showed how when the drug became illegal, it was not as prominent in society. When I look at the laws for my state, I can't help but wonder if people abusing this drug ever actually look up the time they could serve for what they are doing or the amount of money it could cost them. I do think the laws and mandatory sentencing are helping to keep cocaine off the street, just not enough. I know people personally who have used it at parties. The fact that college kids can get their hands on it so easily makes me believe that the government needs to do more to prevent the use of drugs such as cocaine.
References:
Drugfacts:
Cocaine. (2010, March).
Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine
Hellerman, C.
(2011, July 22). Cocaine: The evolution of the once "wonder" drug. CNN health. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/22/social.history.cocaine/index.html
Maryland
cocaine laws. (2012). Retrieved
from http://statelaws.findlaw.com/maryland-law/maryland-cocaine-laws.html
Links to images used:
I chose to read about this post because I realized that I did not know much about Cocaine and wanted to learn a little more about it. I was extremely surprised that Cocaine was legal at one point and was even used in the popular soda Coca Cola as well as margarine. I also did not know that it was considered a miracle drug that cured anything, let alone even considered a medication at one point due to its addictive qualities. I also agree with your comment about the fines and sentencing that goes along with abusing and possessing cocaine. I feel like many cocaine users are not aware of the specific fines, as even a misdemeanor results in 4 years and a $25,000 fine. I do not think any drug is worth trying if this type of sentencing is on the line.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, thorough review of cocaine! I appreciate the effort you put into this post, and the research you did specifically regarding the laws in your home state. Good work!
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