From the indefatigable Harry Browne...

Few people are aware that before World War I, a
9-year-old girl could walk into a drug store and
buy heroin.

That's right – heroin. She didn't need a
doctor's prescription or a note from her parents.
She could buy it right off the shelf. Bayer and
other large drug companies sold heroin as a pain-
reliever and sedative in measured doses – just
the way aspirin is sold today. Cocaine, opium,
and marijuana were readily available as well. No
Drug Enforcement Agency, no undercover cops, no
"Parents – the Anti-Drug" commercials. Just
people going about their own business is whatever
way they chose.

Heavens! We can't have that last part now, can we.

Read.