The Making of American Drug Policy

A Multimodal Analysis of the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914

Abstract

This research examines the making of American drug policy and the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914. Depending upon the analytical model employed, different explanations can be offered for early drug policy development. From a rational perspective, the goal of the Harrison Act was to improve relations with China; from an organizational perspective, the Act was intended to protect the financial interests of doctors and pharmacists; and from a political process perspective, the Act was the result of a Progressive-era crusade of a few policy entrepreneurs.