I agree with pretty much all that you “Republican’’ but to leave any other drug prohibited is still leaving the criminal element something to profit from. As I said, in Mexico’s case, being such a corrupted society, it might be too far gone even for legalization. And think of the powerful people, banks, and other institutions that are making a fortune off the money. They won’t want to give that up. And whatever happened to Phillipe Calderon? He’s probably hiding in fear for his life.
And legalizing hard drugs isn't feasible politically. No US politician would dare advocate it, but there are some who openly advocate legal pot. That is do-able, but total libertarian-style drug legalization just won't happen, not in my lifetime.