Points: the Blog of the Alcohol and Drugs History Society is a great resource to read about the way the narrative on the history of drugs has been constructed and thus, for us, understand the task to end prohibition better. The information is valuable and pertinent, and situates the reader on a true context where thinking solutions towards the end of drug related violence all over the world should take place.
In this occasion we are proud to showcase a translated piece “When Drugs Were Legal in Mexico” by NAR’s very own and talented Froylán Enciso, who shares with us his doctoral research on the history of drug trade in Sinaloa via his blog Postales Fantásticas. (Froylán also publishes pieces in English here). This one is about a time when drugs were legalized in Mexico and distributed by the estate, during the 40’s.
It will certainly aid in understanding the way the reasons to lift a ban on drugs are expressed, the logistics of distributing narcotics once it is lifted, and also in visualizing the manner it affects those who benefit from a drug-trade economy such as Lola 'la Chata' the pusher.
A must read story on positive deviance, and useful in thinking alternatives to the current lack of an informed and democratic health policy in Mexico. It is certainly indispensable in opening the path to a politics of wellbeing which takes into account more health related reasons rather than moral taboos when dealing with illegal drugs.
The webpage for the Alcohol and Drugs History Society is: http://alcoholanddrugshistorysociety.com/
