[PreciousLiberty]

"The only effect of the war on drugs is rampant and violent abuse by the government of 4th amendment protections. And maybe making drugs a little more expensive."

Well, don't forget the direct and indirect costs. Here's a piece that covers the direct costs (the indirect ones such as lost productivity are probably far higher):

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/05/13/ap-impact-years-trillion-war-drugs-failed-meet-goals/

AP IMPACT: After 40 years, $1 trillion, US War on Drugs has failed to meet any of its goals

After 40 years, the United States' war on drugs has cost $1 trillion and hundreds of thousands of lives, and for what? Drug use is rampant and violence even more brutal and widespread.

Even U.S. drug czar Gil Kerlikowske concedes the strategy hasn't worked.

[servantoftheservant]

Good point.