The History of Licit Cocaine in the Netherlands

This paper gives a description of the rise and fall of cocaine business in the Netherlands, between 1910 and 1930 when cocaine was a legal drug. When the anesthetic effects of cocaine were discovered demand for cocaine rose quickly. This made the production of coca leaves in the Dutch East Indies and the production of cocaine in the Netherlands a profitable business. However within the time span of two decades the introduction of synthetic replacements stimulated by international legislation to reduce drugs use caused the disappearance of the legal trade of coca and cocaine. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]