Idaho
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Chinese in CentervilleOpiumSource: Priscilla Wegers
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Opium processed for smoking could be legally imported into the United States until 1909. Because it was a legal drug, the U.S. government taxed it heavily, just as today's legal drugs, tobacco and alcohol, are also heavily taxed. Some, not all, Chinese used the drug, as did some Caucasians. Opium was used socially, similar to today's custom of "happy hour," and it was also used medicinally. Where opium was not outlawed by state or local ordinance, its use was legal. Therefore, places where it was legally smoked are more properly called opium-smoking establishments, rather than "opium dens." |
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