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First, it was used as a tool of wealth extraction- to the point were it was economic warfare. The shooting wars were to ensure the wealth extraction remained vi

First, it was used as a tool of wealth extraction- to the point were it was economic warfare. The shooting wars were to ensure the wealth extraction remained viable. Next, do you think the cartels or monopolists who come to control opium supply will show the poor of India more mercy? Do they currently?

chimeracoder 9y ago
> Next, do you think the cartels or monopolists who come to control opium supply will show the poor of India more mercy? Do they currently? You can't compare a local cartel to a foreign, hegemonic imperial power. In addition, what leads you to assume that the opium trade will inevitably be controlled by cartels or monopolists? Is marijuana production in California controlled by cartels or monopolists[0]? Opium is already produced in India (legally!), and its production isn't controlled by cartels or monopolists. And the plant is both endemic to the region and easy to grow, making it incredibly difficult for any entity to seize control over its production. [0] Answer: no, despite all their best efforts over the last couple of decades.