The Addict as a Criminal

Abstract

Early in this century the Narcotics Division of the U.S. Treasury Department obtained the official seal of approval for a "criminal approach" to the drug problem. This definition of addicts as crim inals was strengthened under the vigorous leadership of Harry J. Anslinger, director of the separate Bureau of Narcotics established in 1930, and became further entrenched with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act and subsequent "get tough" legislation in the 1950's.