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There have been multiple periods of widespread non-medical stimulant use throughout history. Amphetamine wasn't even a controlled substance in the US until the 70s.

It generally does not translate to widespread social benefit.

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I am very aware of the history of amphetamine use in the US. I think widespread access to amphetamines was mostly good (and widespread access to benzos was mostly bad).

Would you characterize centuries of caffeine without widespread benefit as well?

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