Alcohol became a staple of the global economy. It has survived moral scrutiny and attempts at prohibition and government regulation to remain one of the "big three" drugs of the world. .
The second of the "big three," tobacco, originated in the Americas by the native Americans found by Columbus" crew in 1492 (Courtwright, 14). In Europe, it caught attention as an exotic medicine and stylish habit. The main cause for the spread of tobacco was sailors who smoked wherever they traveled. Sailors took it to the Philippines where it quickly became a cash crop. Of course, as we now know, tobacco caught on due to its addictive nicotine content. China was one of the most receptive to tobacco after its introduction in 1600. By 1620, tobacco was an established global crop (Courtwright, 15). Especially when tobacco began mass production in the American colonies and tobacco became cheaper, worldwide consumption was reached. Tobacco was the first drug that reached across all social classes, making it highly profitable. It overcame its side effects of foul breath, stained teeth, and fire risk as well as the test of time (Courtwright, 16). Tobacco never went out of fashion in Europe. Even today, despite continued education about the effects of smoking, it still holds its own all over the world. Education and anti-smoking ads have resulted in reduction of smoking, but not on a worldwide level. .
Arguably, the most successful drug in the history of the world is the ever-popular caffeine. Today, caffeine runs societies all over the world. Present in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate, caffeine is one of the most widely traded commodity, only second to oil (Courtwright, 19). Caffeine had its beginnings in Ethiopia and radiated outward from there, making its way to Italy and eventually, the rest of Europe. Once in Europe, coffee became a global crop. Coffee houses sprung up all over middle Eurasia and Western Europe.
