[ConservingFreedom]

But that was before marijuana became a powerful intoxicant. If some guy had figured out how to extract and sell hash oil in 1790, I’m sure the leaders of society and government would not have been too happy about this new vice.

Opium and alcohol were powerful intoxicants - and legal - in 1790.

[DiogenesLamp]

Opium and alcohol were powerful intoxicants - and legal - in 1790.

And here he is again telling half-truths. Opium was very uncommon in the United States in 1790. There was no market for it and little supply. Most of the people who had access to it were Doctors. It was used as a medicine, not as a recreational pastime.

Alcohol has been with humanity for 10 million years, and it is caused by fermentation. It is ubiquitous in availability, and in human history.