I wouldn't stand by that, either. You're not weighing all the costs and benefits of the WOD if you think it "costs" more to keep drugs illegal. In terms of money alone you've got to factor in all the expenditures of drug enforcement at the state, local and federal level. You've got to factor in the costs of building and maintaining prisons. You've also got to factor intangible costs such as the lost production for those who are incarcerated. The costs to legalize are far smaller than the costs to maintain the war on drugs.
Well then I guess we disagree about methods. But I would prefer shame as a "regulatory" method that Judge Bork wrote about in several books to more Draconian laws passed in response to an irresponsible exercise of personal freedom. I used to laugh at liberals who argued that if we didn't have the Vietnam war and the space program we'd save money and could fully fund social programs. I assume that you are a responsible adult who can handle freedom. My question to you is how do you deal with those who can't handle unbridled freedom and harm others? Prison? A note sent home to Mom? It's more than just money. Self-regulation and responsibility is a bitch to follow through with.