Now, equating drug usage with experienced good is a stretch, I know, but drug enforcement has created some very nasty consequences as this editorial points out. You should actually read it.
And yes, our founding fathers did throw off the shackles of an oppressive government, but they followed the accepted legal channels. The Declaration of Independence noted one by one all of the grievances the U.S. had towards Great Britain and then declared their intents, pledging life and property. I do not think that in any way the experience of our founding fathers relates to legalizing drugs so that some teenager will not be on the streets dealing illegally.
I do not feel sorry for the young man or his family. He made choices and now this author wants the consequences changed to be less punitive.
Your post makes it sound as if the drug enforcement officers are to blame. They are not. They are carrying out the law of the land. The criminal is always to blame. You and I may cringe at the results, but this young man had opportunities many have never had. He had access to schools, libraries, health care, food, and churches of his choice. He rejected good and chose evil. I do feel sorry for him, but only because he is a wasted life. Legalizing drugs will not and would not have rescued him.