Narcotics Stamps Question

I was reading through some old issues of Chambers Stamp Journal for 1948 and came across a nice two-part article on narcotics stamps. The question was raised as to the legality of collecting narcotics stamps in particular and revenues in general.

Readers checking in with their opinions, as did the author of the articles, Harold Faust, who also quoted the appropriate law – U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of Narcotics, Regulation Number 5. Mr Faust then wrote to the Treasury Department – twice – for an opinion. He received two longish replies which could both be summed up by one sentence, "The Bureau's position is that the PURCHASE OR SALE of revenue stamps for philatelic purposes is contrary to the spirit and tenor of the law."

My question for the revenuers here: Obviously even then this law was not being enforced. I am wondering if it was eventually taken off the books or replaced (and when, if so) or if it still stands.

Hi,

The collecting of narcotic stamps was "officially" approved, effective the day that they were no longer used: May 1, 1971.

The following sentences are from my book:

The Harrison Narcotic Act was replaced by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which went into effect on May 1, 1971.

The responsibility of the control of narcotics was transferred from the Bureau of Narcotics (a subsidiary of the Department of the Treasury) to the newly-formed Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, a subsidiary of the Department of Justice.

This bureau was in turn replaced by the current Drug Enforcement Administration on July 1, 1973, still under the Department of Justice.

Prior to this date, collecting or using the narcotic stamps by anyone other than a registered and approved importer, manufacturer, practioner, etc. was not allowed.

Jim

Thank you.

Be careful of those Narcotic stamps.
They're addictive!