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Why did opium smoking become more common in China during the 17th century?
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opium trade
The clipper ship Le-Rye-Moon, built for the opium trade, 19th-century wood engraving from the Illustrated London News.
Opium smoking became increasingly popular in China during the 17th century primarily due to the introduction of tobacco smoking from North America. Before this period, opium was used in limited quantities, typically taken orally to alleviate pain or tension. Once the practice of smoking tobacco spread to China, the method was adapted for opium, leading to widespread popularity and a subsequent rise in addiction throughout the country.1