What is required to purchase opium under the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914?

Under the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914, a prescription is required to legally purchase opium. This legislation was significant in regulating the sale and use of narcotic drugs in the United States. The Act established that specific drugs, including opium, could only be dispensed through a written order from an authorized prescriber. This means that individuals must present a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain opium, ensuring that its use is appropriate and monitored by a professional.

A valid driver’s license is not sufficient on its own to purchase opium; it may verify identity, but it does not fulfill the requirement for a prescription. Similarly, while a government-issued ID could help in confirming the identity of the individual, it does not replace the need for a prescription. A certified letter from a physician is also not a requirement under the Act; only a valid prescription is necessary to purchase opium legally.