What Illegal Substance Do You Crave?

 

The Federal Government has, for quite a long time, banned the sale or importation of a very wide range of products. Having never had access to those products, most Americans don’t know what they are missing. But they are a loss nevertheless.

I wrote this post to find out what I am missing. But I can start by sharing an example or two of what Americans lack, courtesy of a stupid federal bureaucracy:

Toothpaste. Yes, I wrote about this before. I now smuggle Sensodyne with Novamin into the US from the UK. My dentist “cleanings” are now perfunctory and painless; no plaque or tartar buildup or cavities since I started using this toothpaste with a good electric toothbrush. I am not alone. But, thanks to the FDA’s decision to treat toothpaste as a drug, innovation has been stifled. You cannot buy Sensodyne with Novamin in the United States. Thanks, Uncle Sam.

Indian/Pakistani Mangoes. These are a taste explosion. You can smell them from across the room… sweet, fragrant, complex.. just an amazing fruit. Sliced thin on salmon, or included with whipped cream in crepes, these mangoes are the most decadent fruits I have ever tasted. They are not, however, legal for import into the United States. The block is, I think, a legacy of the early 1930s-era regulations intended to protect American crops from foreign pests. It is the same reason why there are thousands of potato varieties for sale in Peru, but only a handful in the United States.

Mangoes, of course, seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things. But I think that toothpaste and mangoes are good examples of how Americans are denied, by virtue of silly and overbearing federal government – and not even as a result of the Obama years. Blackcurrants, for example, were banned and exterminated in the US in the early 20th century, and are only now starting to make a comeback.

Is there some foreign treat that I really should try next time I am overseas? Much more importantly: I am sure there must be some drugs available overseas that would be lifesavers to Americans… does anyone know about them?

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  1. GirlFriday Inactive
    GirlFriday
    @GirlFriday

    Liz:Why are Kinder Eggs so popular in the States , and why on earth are they banned? Is it because the little prize contained within contains tiny, “choking hazard” parts? I know kids here who eat them for breakfast.

    In addition to Kinder Eggs I would also like to import a Mom who will let me eat Kinder Eggs for breakfast!

    • #121
  2. Mendel Inactive
    Mendel
    @Mendel

    Arahant:

    Mendel: And while we’re clearing up this topic, does anyone have any direct evidence that the FDA is holding up Novamin for safety reasons? My understanding is that it used to be available OTC in the US, then GSK bought the patent, the existing products were pulled for licensing reasons, and GSK never came out with their own version. Perhaps the FDA was involved, but if they retroactively classified a previously-OTC product as now being prescription only, there should be a paper trail – and I can’t find one.

    Do you speak bureaucratese?

    http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf12/k121698.pdf

    That just proves my point – that’s a document from before GSK bought Novamin, and in the document the FDA classifies Novamin as a class I medical device (same category as dental floss), meaning it could be sold OTC.

    So the FDA said it was safe as an OTC product, then GSK bought the rights, and suddenly it gets pulled. Maybe the FDA is involved, but so far I don’t see any direct evidence.

    • #122
  3. Rodin Member
    Rodin
    @Rodin

    Misthiocracy:

    Rodin:Several years ago on a trip to Europe I had a terrible sore throat and bought some over the counter lozenges in the local pharmacy. They had some sort of topical anesthetic and were wonderfully effective. Brought them back home with me and used them as needed until all were gone. No over the counter lozenge in this country is any where as effective.

    Was it codeine?

    I bet it was codeine.

    Don’t recall. I just know it worked — really well. Not a buzz, just the throat pain went away.

    • #123
  4. Typical Anomaly Inactive
    Typical Anomaly
    @TypicalAnomaly

    One of the best, most practical pro-freedom posts I have read in a while! The proof is that I followed an Amazon link for Sensodyne with Novamin only to discover they were out of stock.

    • I located nearby non-ethanol gasoline I can try.
    • I’m pretty sure I can do something about shower flow.
    • I still don’t want to try Vegemite, but owning some could be good for grins.
    • #124
  5. RyanM Inactive
    RyanM
    @RyanM

    ok, so with regards to soap…

    it’s not a safety risk to human beings, so I absolutely should go down to the hardware store, purchase some of the stuff, and start enjoying cleanliness once again, correct?

    I mean, if California thought I’d be growing a third leg, I’d still be skeptical, since that seems to be their position on … well, virtually everything.  But at least I’d have a reason for further research.  Where, with “biodiversity,” um….  yeah, [expletive] that.

    • #125
  6. Caryn Thatcher
    Caryn
    @Caryn

    Biggles:Vegemite!!

    The staple spread for your morning toast that raised millions of Aussie kids. Cheap, highly nutritious & can be stored after opening at room temperature. Its a by-product of spent yeast from the brewing process apparently. The Poms have a poor look-alike called Marmite ( that no right minded Aussie would ever contemplate buying ) .

    The FDA banned it for whatever reason.

    Kraft owns the brand these days.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite

    Vegemite is available in the US.  Easier still, I’ve ordered it through Amazon.  I agree with you about Marmite.  I don’t know why, but it is incredibly nasty tasting compared to Vegemite, which is just essential umami.  In small quantities, of course.

    https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Avegemite%20kraft

    • #126
  7. Austin Murrey Inactive
    Austin Murrey
    @AustinMurrey

    RyanM:ok, so with regards to soap…

    it’s not a safety risk to human beings, so I absolutely should go down to the hardware store, purchase some of the stuff, and start enjoying cleanliness once again, correct?

    I mean, if California thought I’d be growing a third leg, I’d still be skeptical, since that seems to be their position on … well, virtually everything. But at least I’d have a reason for further research. Where, with “biodiversity,” um…. yeah, [expletive] that.

    Absolutely. I’ve been using TSP for a while now and I’m not dead yet.

    My hair has fallen out but that’s unrelated. I think. I mean, my dad went bald too but then his detergents had phosphates in them too…

    • #127
  8. Grosseteste Thatcher
    Grosseteste
    @Grosseteste

    RyanM: I mean, if California thought I’d be growing a third leg, I’d still be skeptical, since that seems to be their position on … well, virtually everything.

    My house and garage are full of stuff known to the State of California to cause cancer.

    • #128
  9. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Mendel:

    Jamie Lockett:There is an additive in baked goods in Australia that is illegal in the US (for the life of me I don’t know what it is) that makes bread there so much tastier than it is here.

    Misthiocracy:Was it codeine?

    I bet it was codeine.

    That was just how I put them together, Mendel.

    • #129
  10. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Arahant:

    Jamie Lockett: I’m a menace!

    Well, we knew that. We just weren’t sure why before. ?

    You ain’t a menace unless you’re making spinach wine.

    • #130
  11. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Percival:

    Arahant:

    Jamie Lockett: I’m a menace!

    Well, we knew that. We just weren’t sure why before. ?

    You ain’t a menace unless you’re making spinach wine.

    Or putting it on pizza?

    • #131
  12. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    Ontheleftcoast: Novamin actually is a drug. It’s an aminoglycoside antibiotic.

    Huh?

    Novamin is a trade name for calcium sodium phosphosilicate:

    Wiki:

    Bioactive glass: Newer Sensodyne products [7][8] contain calcium sodium phosphosilicate (brand name NovaMin). NovaMin sticks to an exposed dentin surface and reacts with it to form a mineralized layer. The layer formed bonds with the tooth, and is therefore strong and resistant to acid. The continuous release of calcium over time is suggested to maintain the protective effects on dentin, and provide continual occlusion of the dentin tubules.[9][10]

    • #132
  13. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    Weeping:

    iWe: There are groups devoted to fast-tracking potentially life-saving drugs for terminally ill patients. This is as close as a no-brainer as one can get – the FDA defense is that the side-effects might be worse than the potential cure, and that patients need to be protected from their own choices.

    Given that the alternative is death, that sounds more than a bit crazy.

    Just so. The FDA kills people to save them from the potentially side effects of new drugs.

    • #133
  14. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    iWe: Just so. The FDA kills people to save them from the potentially side effects of new drugs.

    And burns down the village to save it.

    • #134
  15. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    Grosseteste:

    RyanM: I mean, if California thought I’d be growing a third leg, I’d still be skeptical, since that seems to be their position on … well, virtually everything.

    My house and garage are full of stuff known to the State of California to cause cancer.

    I understand research is proven to cause cancer.

    • #135
  16. Austin Murrey Inactive
    Austin Murrey
    @AustinMurrey

    iWe:

    Grosseteste:

    RyanM: I mean, if California thought I’d be growing a third leg, I’d still be skeptical, since that seems to be their position on … well, virtually everything.

    My house and garage are full of stuff known to the State of California to cause cancer.

    I understand research is proven to cause cancer.

    I can’t prove causation, but there’s a 100% correlation between breathing and death. We may want to start some sort of government study in order to determine if this correlation can be determined to be causation and if so draft regulations to prevent breathing. Maybe we should draft regulations right now to be safe.

    • #136
  17. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    Austin Murrey:

    iWe:

    Grosseteste

    My house and garage are full of stuff known to the State of California to cause cancer.

    I understand research is proven to cause cancer.

    I can’t prove causation, but there’s a 100% correlation between breathing and death. We may want to start some sort of government study in order to determine if this correlation can be determined to be causation and if so draft regulations to prevent breathing. Maybe we should draft regulations right now to be safe.

    Don’t confuse cause with effect! The actual carcinogen, responsible for all aging, is the Big O: Oxygen. Get rid of that, we’ll be sorted.

    • #137
  18. Liz Member
    Liz
    @Liz

    Jamie Lockett:

    Liz:

    Jamie Lockett:

    Liz:

    Jamie Lockett:At one point Vegemite was banned in the USA. Fortunately I hate Vegemite.

    But why on earth was it banned? Too many B vitamins?

    It contains active yeast cultures.

    And that’s dangerous!

    Uh, sure? I mean my wine cellar is filled with 3 carboys of active yeast cultures as we speak…I’m a menace!

    Should have added this:

    /sarc

    • #138
  19. Locke On Member
    Locke On
    @LockeOn

    Gas cans that will actually pour.  There is a solution for your (ahem) water jug:

    https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYNDNM8

    • #139
  20. Liz Member
    Liz
    @Liz

    GirlFriday:

    Liz:Why are Kinder Eggs so popular in the States , and why on earth are they banned? Is it because the little prize contained within contains tiny, “choking hazard” parts? I know kids here who eat them for breakfast.

    In addition to Kinder Eggs I would also like to import a Mom who will let me eat Kinder Eggs for breakfast!

    Well, I am coming home, but unfortunately I am not one of those mothers.

    • #140
  21. Herbert Member
    Herbert
    @Herbert

    While not illegal, the discontinued Pepperidge Farm Molasses crisp.  Can’t figure out why they would quit selling them…. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=20021211&id=oHAxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1wgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2609,6150560&hl=en

    • #141
  22. PsychLynne Inactive
    PsychLynne
    @PsychLynne

    Son of Spengler:

    Fortunately there are recipes on the Internet to synthesize hard-to-obtain Sudafed from readily available crystal meth.

    I have a relative that is a doc in rural Illinois.  He always jokes that he is going to start a lucrative illegal business doing just that.

    • #142
  23. Mike H Inactive
    Mike H
    @MikeH

    Fake John/Jane Galt:phosphates, since the new regulations restricting their use we can no longer get our clothes and dishes clean.

    Add your own. (Make sure it’s the red box.)

    • #143
  24. CB Toder aka Mama Toad Member
    CB Toder aka Mama Toad
    @CBToderakaMamaToad

    Liz:

    Well, I am coming home, but unfortunately I am not one of those mothers.

    It’s only unfortunate for Girl Friday; your kids are fortunate though!

    • #144
  25. Misthiocracy Member
    Misthiocracy
    @Misthiocracy

    I don’t have problems getting my clothes clean.

    At least, I don’t think I do.

    • #145
  26. Vance Richards Inactive
    Vance Richards
    @VanceRichards

    You can buy dental products in the UK? . . . Really?

    • #146
  27. Isaiah's Job Inactive
    Isaiah's Job
    @IsaiahsJob

    Albuterol Sulfate; the most common asthma medication. Millions of people (including me) need it to stay alive (or at least out of the hospital), but it’s a prescription drug because it’s *hypothetically* possible to get high and kill yourself with it. Not statistically speaking that anyone does; but it’s remotely possible. So it’s expensive, prescribed in limited doses, and not sold over the counter.

    • #147
  28. Tim H. Inactive
    Tim H.
    @TimH

    Grosseteste:

    My house and garage are full of stuff known to the State of California to cause cancer.

    Not being in California, I’ve always laughed at those labels.  “This product contains substances known to the State of California to be carcinogenic,” etc.  Not known to other people, apparently, but just to California.  Considering how many things ingested in the proper amounts can cause harm, I’m surprised there’s anything left without a label from the state of California covering its rear end.

    • #148
  29. Grosseteste Thatcher
    Grosseteste
    @Grosseteste

    Austin Murrey:Visit your local hardware store! 1 tablespoon in the laundry (or less depending on load size) and 1/4 teaspoon in the dishwasher.

    My plates gleam with freedom, not caked on soap.

    Doesn’t that frost your glasses, though?

    • #149
  30. Austin Murrey Inactive
    Austin Murrey
    @AustinMurrey

    Grosseteste:

    Austin Murrey:Visit your local hardware store! 1 tablespoon in the laundry (or less depending on load size) and 1/4 teaspoon in the dishwasher.

    My plates gleam with freedom, not caked on soap.

    Doesn’t that frost your glasses, though?

    Clear as crystal!

    • #150
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