Drugs such as morphine

1) Select a couple of drugs such as morphine, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine,
nicotine, peyote, psilocybin, opiates, methadone, prescription drugs… and discuss the history of these
substances. Write out the structures of the drugs that you are discussing.
2) How do they work? Be specific with where in our bodies these drugs interact.
3) Discuss abuse of these drugs.
4) Do any of these drugs function in a similar manner to naturally occurring compounds already in
our bodies? Discuss endorphins. What are they and when were they discovered? How did the
name come about?
5) Discuss the acceptance by the public and the government of these drugs.
6) Are there any benefits by using these drugs?
7) How do these drugs compare with similar “legal” drugs? Why are some drugs legal and others
are not? What criteria do the federal and state governments use to decide which drugs are legal?