re: Prison Population Timeline in the US

Initially thought to be a wonder drug, in the late 19th century cocaine was a key ingredient in medicines used to combat asthma, dysentery, sore nipples, syphilis and – ironically – to fight opium addiction.

Prohibition, however, created both a black market and a certain chic, the results of which remain with us now. From that point on, whatever temporary high cocaine gave to its users, its dealers got an incomparably greater financial buzz.

The stupendous riches to be made, and their attendant cost in crime, murder and blighted lives, means that the U.S. now spends $40?billion annually on its ‘war against drugs’.



Alcohol and Nicotine...America's biggest problem when it comes to health crisis and drain on healthcare and costs to other Americans.

Cocaine and Weed - almost neglible. No effect on taxpayers and health care systems but for the war on drugs. The only effect is over-crowding prisons - which takes money out of your pocket if you are a tax-payer.

You are being fleeced for no reason...when banning of alcohol would decrease crime and taxes 10X more than "illicit drugs."