Opium Research Paper

Opium was a popular drug in China that was considered quite controversial at its peak in 1836 (Naiji, Yulin). The drug was viewed by two sides: the ones for opium legalization and the ones against opium legalization (Naiji, Yulin). Those against opium legalization argue that it is harmful to the human body, opium does not have a good economical impact, and that it opens the door for more harmful things to be legalized (Yulin). Opium can be harmful to the human body even if it’s effects are not immediate at first(Yulin). In Yuan Yulin’s document he says that, “Prohibition was proclaimed because opium is pernicious.”(Yulin). The definition of pernicious is as follows, “causing great harm or damage often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed.”