Despite the opium outlaw, the British continued to bring the drug into China. This resulted in the Opium Wars which lasted from 1839-1842. The possibility of war was threatened by Lin (leader of China) during the early 1830's when he wrote a letter to Queen Victoria. However, Britain did not see this as a threat and ended up easily defeating the Chinese due to their strong naval forces. The Treaty of Nanjing ends the Opium Wars and results in China losing Hong Kong.
"There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" expresses the idea that even if something seems like it is free, there is always a cost, no matter how indirect or hidden.
If you are talking about a bill, it is debated with the House of Representatives, and then sent to the President for signature.
The reaction can take from several hours to several days
