In 1914, the U. S. made cocaine illegal. John Pemberton owned a chemist's store, and had invented numerous patent medicines. Despite his success, he focused on patenting a new drink that would earn him recognition in scientific history. The huge success of Vin Mariani, a wine which had coca leafs in as an ingredient, inspired Dr. Pemberton. He launched Pemberton's French Wine Coca in 1885. Pemberton made an improvement to Vin Mariani by adding kola nuts, another ingredient known for its medical properties. He advertised his drink as a nerve tonic, and an aid to overcome morphine addiction. In Pemberton's best interest, he decided to change the alcohol based drink, due to current attitudes towards alcohol.