Not too many people would be surprised if they heard today that Coca-Cola drink used to contain the actual cocaine as the main ingredient long-long time ago. But how much exactly do we know about the history of cocaine altogether?

Centuries ago the natives of Andes Mountains in South America discovered that chewing on a cocoa leaf produces a mild, stimulating feeling. Up until today it remains a rather popular “treat” in that area.

In the rest of the world it became known in 1855 – this is when cocaine was first synthesized by scientist of that era. A bit later on – in 1880 – medics started to recognize the effects of this substance and the word spread around. Among famous doctors to advocate this drug was young Sigmund Freud – he claimed that cocaine can be used as tonic that cures depression and sexual impotency. Later on in his career Freud found other remedies, but at that time cocaine got his attention and was highly promoted since safety of the drug was not an issue then.

The popularity of cocaine grew when John Pemberton decided to use this “magic” substance in a soft drink named Coca Cola. This soft drink was easily accessible by public and back in 1886 the tonic produced euphoric and energizing effects on anyone who consumed it. Needless to say, cocaine ingredient was the booster for sales of the drink and basically made Coca Cola the most popular soft drink ever. Of course, later on the main component was removed from the ingredient list, but the popularity still stays.