I think I agree. This is a perfect area in which federalism can pay dividends. As a conservative with zeal of the newly converted, I no longer care too much about the libertarian's desire to create an amoral anything goes society, but we've got to start thinking outside the box. Legalized drugs will take the profit motive away from the drug dealers.
Precisely, just because we remove the laws on this doesn't mean we've condoned an amoral society. Thinking outside the box, as you said, can allow us to find other ways to attack these problems. Individual responsibility is going to have to be taught and learned in America again.
The states have just about taxed cigarettes out of existence their treasury's are sinking without all that Cigarette tax money , they are looking for new sources of money. Legalise drugs and they have it, The states arent worried about criminals making money they just want a new thing to tax .Legalise drugs and the momey you save on locking up drug dealers will be spent on social services to wean folks off the hard stuff. Now having said that I am a proponent of prescription use of heroin for terminal patients. Its cheaper and does a better job than the synthesized stuff.