First Nations Legacy - "Miracle drug"

Five hundred years ago, the people of the First Nations grew a crop that was used as a medicine for headaches, digestive problems and ailments of the lungs in children as well as adults.

It could be used in a powder form, or burned and inhaled. It was a well known medicine, and was so powerful and effective that the early settlers quickly adopted it and introduced it to Europe. Its use spread throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and eventually became a recreational drug.

Today it is one of the most highly addictive and widespread drugs in the world. Ironically, this medicine's use now leads to diseases of the mouth, throat and lungs that it once treated and prevented.

Tobacco.