As long as there has been food for us to eat, there has been a worldwide obsession with weight.  Unfortunately for those of us in 21^st century, Rubenesque figures have long since been replaced by the twig-thin celebrities and absurd yet easy-sounding weight loss tips and tricks clog women’s websites and magazines. 

A good example is the recent, celeb-popular “Master Cleanse,” a liquid diet where one drinks only a combination of lemonade, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for a period of time.  It is also believed that processes such as ear stapling which derive from ancient Chinese acupuncture can help one shed the pounds without taking a single step into Planet Fitness.

Even more outlandish, in the late 19th and early 20th century, pills claiming to be made with “sanitized tapeworms” were hawked to help women maintain a slim figure. Whether the pills sold actually contained tapeworms is difficult to verify, but it is plausible and a method that at least one daring individual has most likely tried.

I’m sure most of us have heard of Ephedrine, the leading weight-loss ingredient in popular diet supplements such as Hydroxycut.  Since the 1980’s gym averters gobbled up the supplements and it turns out that they were losing a lot more than just a few pounds. The FDA reports that in 1994 they received numerous complaints and concerns of the effects of the drug. These reported reactions vary from the milder adverse effects known to be associated with stimulants (e.g., nervousness, dizziness, tremors, headache, and gastrointestinal distress) to chest pain, stroke, seizures, psychosis, and death.  While not going down without a fight, Ephedrine was finally banned in the U.S. and companies have since removed Ephedrine from their products, despite complaints from the lucky few who successfully lost weight without feeling the effects of the drug.

Akin to Ephedrine, numerous other substances found in weight loss pills such as Sibutramine have also been deemed illegal.  There are, of course, still plenty of diet pills on the market for those who are dying to lose weight (literally).  However, none of these supplements other than Alli have been approved by the FDA and it seems that the risks outweigh the benefits.  Despite what many celebrities are telling you, there is no way to lose weight without diet and exercise…not legally of course.

Adderall, also known as the “study drug,” was first prescribed in 1996 to help those suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Since the 1970s, the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD has been a controversial topic. Today, it is the most commonly diagnosed disorder in children. Although this medication has a calming effect for those with genuine ADHD, it has become a trend among college students to use and abuse this stimulating “study drug.” 

The drug of choice for many students across the nation, Adderall is not used for social or recreational purposes but instead for school work. The use of Adderall when not prescribed has the complete opposite effect than when one is actually prescribed the medication. Rather than the intended calming effect, users claim they have a boost of energy which enhances their concentration and focus.  A once stressed out, falling-behind student becomes an energized studying machine capable working day and night.

This widespread drug can apparently help anyone accomplish anything and in just half the time, but, is it too good to be true? Signs point to yes. Adderall comes with a long list of warnings: aggressive behavior, blurred vision, increased bipolar disorders, increased blood pressure, and chest pain to name a few. Not to mention, this “study drug” also has an extensive record of dangerous drug interactions that could lead to fatality.

Recent statistics suggest that 15-20% of college students are abusing this prescription medication falsely believing that because Adderall is prescription, it is medically safe.  This legal drug is thought to be the inside track to a 4.0 GPA; the real question is whether that 4.0 is worth students risking their lives? 

  Lithium was first used as a medical treatment in 1871 for the treatment of mania and depression. This “miracle” mood stabilizing drug was soon given to patients in mental hospitals and inmates in prisons to keep a calm environment. Individuals who were dosed with lithium became docile and submissive with fewer manic episodes.  At the time, this wonder drug promised mood stabilization with no effects on the emotional and intellectual functions of the brain. The widespread use of lithium had such positive feedback that advocates proposed putting the miracle drug in the nation’s water to create a happier and calmer society. 

In 1929, Lithium, also known as the “magic bullet”, was added as an ingredient to 7Up, the popular lemon-lime flavored soda that is still around today.  During the prohibition era, 7Up became extremely popular as an alcoholic mixer and was sold in underground speakeasies. With the added uplifting benefits, 7Up was widely used as the cure for all hangovers. It was reported to neutralize blood acidity after only a few drinks and claimed to “take the ‘ouch’ out of grouch.”

By the early 1950’s enough was known of the dangers of lithium toxicity that it was removed from 7Up and all other sodas. But in spite of the major health risks, lithium continues to be used for treatment of severe depression, bipolar & schizoaffective disorders, but in much smaller amounts than were once available without a prescription albeit under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

By 1973, fifty thousand Americans were being prescribed lithium; the optimal goal being to put six million on the drug. However, the dangers of lithium treatment were becoming more and more apparent. Habitual lithium treatment has been found to slow brain waves, cause mental impairment, poor concentration, loss of judgment and mental confusion. Without careful supervision of blood levels, a patient could face lithium toxicity in which he or she experiences tremors, difficulty walking, slurred speech, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, deliriousness, seizures and loss of consciousness.

Absinthe has always been surrounded by an aura of mystery.  Smoke-filled Parisian cafes, glowing green glasses, and tales of hallucinations have all added to its forbidden allure. It has, at varied times, been cheered for its medicinal properties, vilified as a psychoactive drug, and celebrated by bohemian artists. Rumor has it that had it not been for absinthe, Vincent Van Gogh’s ear may have remained attached - but would we still have Starry Starry Night?

   Absinthe was first noted for its healing properties in the Roman times; Hippocrates himself recommended the elixir as a remedy for jaundice and rheumatism.  Absinthe was then “rediscovered” in the mid 19^thcentury. Popular particularly in France, both with the working class and the bourgeoisie; some claimed it could protect against malaria, others swore it unleashed their creative muse. The lengthy ritual required to prepare it found an ideal setting with artist communities in their bohemian cafés.   Pablo Picasso, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Allan Poe became convinced that without the drink, their creativity would stall.  From Paris, the drink transitioned to the dark underbelly of New Orleans where the Old Absinthe House was established.  Everyone from Mark Twain to Frank Sinatra could be seen drinking late into the evening. 

As the temperance movement began to sweep over Europe, absinthe was blamed for the evils of all alcohol.  Scientific studies were published that identified thujone, a component of absinthe as a neurotoxin that caused violent seizures.  The final straw came when a Swiss man called Lanfray, under the influence of absinthe, shot and killed his entire family. Prohibitionists launched a campaign against the “Green Fairy” claiming absinthe was responsible for civil chaos and even claimed that absinthism, likely a form of alcoholism, resulted in insanity and death. By 1912, it was banned in the U.S. and many other countries.  

Today, absinthe is once again available - without the thujone. Yet, the notorious stigma remains- Johnny Depp drinks it and Marilyn Manson has his own brand.  Looking back, some question how inspirational or dangerous it really was- others are desperate to experience it. Brands such as Lucid and Le Tourment Vert are ensuring that the spirit will be conjuring visions of ‘The Green Muse’ for years to come. 

Heroin is universally known as a dangerous and illegal street drug. It was responsible for the deaths of Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, and notoriously altered many Led Zeppelin performances. It’s hard to believe given its reputation, but heroin was known as the “heroic” drug- and a safe alternative to morphine.

Heroin was developed in 1874 when C.R.Wright, an English chemist synthesized the drug by boiling morphine and acetic anhydride over a stove but his discovery faded into the background until the arrival of Heinrich Dresser, 23 years later. Dresser immediately noted the commercial potential of Wright’s formula.

While working at the Bayer Company, he convinced Felix Hoffman, the chief researcher, to synthesize Wright’s invention and they presented it to the Bayer Company as an original medicine.  They were thrilled and sold it to the public as a cough suppressant and as a cure for morphine addiction.

By 1898, many cough syrup companies were lacing their products with Bayer’s Heroin. Through the early 1900’s, the philanthropic St. James Society even distributed free samples of heroin through the mail as a morphine alternative. This came to an abrupt halt in 1910, when morphine users “discovered” the euphoric powers of heroin. In 1913, Bayer halted heroin production- their genius idea had become Bayer’s biggest mistake.

In 1924, the Heroin Act made manufacture and possession of heroin illegal in the US but heroin levels continued to rise mainly because of the thriving black market in New York City’s Chinatown.

The Controlled Substances Act was passed in 1970. It consolidated previous laws regulating production and distribution of drugs including heroin. Heroin became officially classified as a Schedule 1 drug and defined as having no medicinal use. A Drug Enforcement Act license is now required to handle the drug.

On Thursday, April 22 we hosted an after party for filmmakers Jeff and Michael Zimbalist. Their newest film “The Two Escobars” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival as part of ESPN’s “30 for 30” series. We were joined by film industry executives, VIPs and celebrities including Goodfella Paul Sorvino

April is Alcohol Awareness Month and as such, we thought it appropriate to discuss the history of a drug that is legal now but hasn’t always been. Booze.                                    

From 1920 to 1933, The National Prohibition Act banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Originally intended to reintroduce morality and promote safety in America, it achieved the exact opposite.

In the early 20^th century, a renewed religious fervor was feeding a general distrust of alcohol. While special interest groups like the Anti Saloon League preached about the evil effects that alcohol had on society, they contradictorily used violence to gain exposure and support for their movement. The legendary Carry A. Nation, of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union gained notoriety as a  hatchet-wielding prohibitionist and went down in history as the “original bar smasher.” However unscrupulous, these actions generated public interest and the Progressive Party took notice.

The Volstead Act was passed on January 17^th 1920, effectively banning the production, sale, or transport of alcohol. Predictably, however, banning liquor only made it more desirable to the public. Speakeasies – illegal saloons began popping up all over the country and attracted the entrepreneurial spirits of dubious characters. Famous gangsters like Al Capone and Tom Dennison bootlegged alcohol to quench the thirst of the American public and as a result, there was a dramatic rise in violent crime.

As disrespect for the law grew, prohibition lost steam. Congress proposed the Blaine Act to repeal National Prohibition.  On December 5^th, 1933 Utah became the 36^th state to ratify the agreement, and prohibition was finally deemed unconstitutional.

The coca leaf was considered a gift from the gods. For over a thousand years the natives of South America chewed it to communicate with their spiritual deities, enhance endurance while hunting for food and when preparing to go to war with enemy tribes. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 1500’s, they were fascinated by the exhilarating effects of the leaf.  At first, the invaders banned the substance but soon reneged when they noticed a marked downturn in the natives’ productivity in the gold mines.  European scientists began the process of isolating the cocaine alkaloid and in 1855 chemist Albert Niemann succeeded and cocaine, the “elixir of life” was born.

Western culture was quick to capitalize on its economic potential. Cocaine was distributed in wine, cigarettes, and even included in the original Coca-Cola recipe which was developed to provide the “benefits” of cocaine without the dangers of alcohol during prohibition. 1884 marked the discovery of cocaine’s numbing effects and it became popular as a local anesthetic for toothaches. Doctors prescribed cocaine to cure asthma, nausea and even to cure patients of morphine addiction.  Unfortunately, some of those patients combined the two substances.

By the turn of the 20^th century, cocaine’s medicinal popularity was nearing a close. Attitudes toward drug use shifted as the addictive properties were exposed and it became associated with immigrant populations. Spurred by the fears and pervasive racist sentiments of the day, a moral/ racial panic swept the nation. In 1903, The American Journal of Pharmacy published an article asserting that cocaine users were responsible for the majority of criminal acts in America.  This was followed by the 1914 Harrison Narcotics Tax Act which outlawed sale and distribution of cocaine in the United States, however, the law was not strictly enforced, and cocaine use was rarely prosecuted until the Controlled Substances Act passed in 1970. Today, cocaine is rarely used for medicinal purposes. Illegal in most countries, the penalties for dealing or trafficking the drug are severe.

Welcome to the official blog of American Apothecary.  Here we will be taking a closer look at America’s [legal] drug history.  Check back often for the inside scoop on all our news and events.  Thanks for taking a look!

We are a daring new T-shirt company showcasing remedies that are no longer available because they are now illegal or exceptionally dangerous. Cocaine, heroin and cigarettes were not always feared and controlled substances. In the early 1900’s cocaine was widely used in cough drops for children, heroin was used as a painkiller and cigarettes were offered to athasmatics for instant relief. By placing vintage medicine labels on the finest cotton shirts, American Apothecary is commenting on how our perceptions of these taboo substances have changed drastically over the last 100 years.

American Apothecary was started by two former assistant district attorneys, who, after finishing their law degrees, opted to create this fashion line to challenge current public opinion. With these daring designs, they hope to expand the public’s knowledge of our dubious pharmacological past and encourage people to consider what the future opinion of today’s widely prescribed drugs will be.

All of our shirts are 100% pima cotton shirts handmade in the United States. All construction and supplies are generated within the USA using American workers.

10% of all proceeds go to drug outreach programs.