During the nineteenth century, there was little regulation or control involving drugs, government involvement was minimal. The Laissez fair philosophy in society allowed people to live the life they choose and do what they please without governmental regulation. There was more of a legal and social tolerance for psychoactive substances used for medicinal and recreationally purposes. The concept of addiction was not understood at the time which led to the practice of letting people act without interference or direction implying that the United States was a dope fiend’s paradise. Drugs were legally available and the source associated with medical use. They were easy to come by and many people used them.
