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The Early History of Cocaine

The indigenous people of South American have, for centuries chewed the coca leaf to release its nutrients and improve health and well-being. The coca leaf contains many active ingredients -most notably cocaine. Entire communities have chewed the leaf for generations.

The Spaniards came and conquered South America and largely ignored the use of the coca leaves by the indigenous people. They were deep set in their European belief system and did not buy into the curative uses of chewing the coca (the Spaniards chalked it all up to the work of the Devil). But as time wore on, the Spaniards began to see the coca leaf’s effects with their own eyes. Soon enough, they exacted a huge price on the South American locals -taxing the production of the leaf and taking a percentage off of the sale of the crop.

Although the use of the coca leaves continued for centuries after the Spanish conquest, the isolation of the cocaine alkaloid in the leaves did not occur until 1855 by a German physicist named Friedrich Gaedcke. Part of the delay in this discovery was caused by the fact the best scientists and research equipment were in Europe -where the coca leaves did not grow (they did not travel well either).

In the year following the isolation of the cocaine alkaloid, a PHD student in Germany developed a purification process that further isolated the cocaine in the coca leaf.

Cocaine in the Western World

Soon, the medical communities of the western world learned of the cocaine alkaloid, and began using it in a variety of ways. Once the analgesic effects of the cocaine were tested and proven, a wave was unleashed across Europe.

Cocaine became available in power form and was used in cigarettes, wine and other products to enhance their effects. In a sad twist, many European doctors prescribed cocaine as a remedy for morphine addiction. Unfortunately, many individuals mixed the drugs and serious consequences ensued. From Freud to Sherlock Holmes, people everywhere found they had more energy and focus thanks to cocaine “the miracle drug”.

In contrast to the drug cartels and criminal syndicates that now control cocaine production and distribution, the first group of organized cocaine manufacturers were a group of large pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Sandoz and Hoffman-LaRoche. These companies were primarily responsible for the medicinal use of cocaine throughout the early part of the 20th century.

The Criminal Element of Cocaine

As the decade wore on, and the use of cocaine was banned in commercial and medicinal products, the criminal element that we know today became the dominant force in the cocaine industry. South America countries will little else to export began to make money from the cocaine trade. South America is thought to export over 1000 tons of cocaine across the globe each year.

Cocaine use in the United States continues to be a significant problem. It is used by individuals from all walks of life, but continues to be seen as a luxury purchase by affluent individuals. Other than marijuana, cocaine is the most used recreational drug in the United States.

Michael’s House understands cocaine’s history -and cocaine addiction. We help those addicted to cocaine regain control of their lives. Contact us today for more information.