The Opium Wars, Opium Legalization, and Opium Consumption in China
17 Pages Posted: 24 May 2005
There are 2 versions of this paper
The Opium Wars, Opium Legalization, and Opium Consumption in China
The Opium Wars, Opium Legalization, and Opium Consumption in China
Date Written: May 2005
Abstract
The effect of drug prohibition on drug consumption is a critical issue in debates over drug policy. One episode that provides information on the consumption-reducing effect of drug prohibition is the Chinese legalization of opium in 1858. In this paper we examine the impact of China's opium legalization on the quantity and price of British opium exports from India to China during the 19th century. We find little evidence that legalization increased exports or decreased price. Thus, the evidence suggests China's opium prohibition had a minimal impact on opium consumption.
JEL Classification: K4, N4
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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