[GLDNGUN]

I'm arguing that a hundred years of drug prohibition cannot be shown to have lowered addiction rates in the US.

Likewise, it can be argued that drug prohibition has kept addiction rates lower than what they would have been if they had been legal for the past 100 years. Tobacco and alcohol consumption have never been illegal. Their "addiction" rates are extremely high in comparison. I see a connection. Do you?

[Trailerpark Badass]

Their "addiction" rates are extremely high in comparison. I see a connection.

Tobacco and alcohol's immediate effects are more universally pleasurable than the other, illegal drugs.

Several times more people have done the "gateway drug" (lol) marijuana than have gone on to try cocaine and heroin. I know far more people who have tried marijuana and not liked its effects than those who have tried alcohol and had the same reaction. Also, tobacco, while quite dangerous over the long haul, has the mildest effects, so it's not surprising more people use it. Coffee is legal, but it's not necessarily its legality alone that makes it popular.

The fact is, most people don't want to shoot smack, smoke crystal meth, or drop acid, and it's because they know it's not really a good idea. That won't change in any dramatic way through legalization, in my opinion.

[Ken H]

Likewise, it can be argued that drug prohibition has kept addiction rates lower than what they would have been if they had been legal for the past 100 years.

That's more of a rationalization of failure, than an argument for success, IMO.

Tobacco and alcohol consumption have never been illegal. Their "addiction" rates are extremely high in comparison. I see a connection. Do you?

No. Alcohol and tobacco have always been more popular with Americans than heroin and cocaine. That was true prior to the 20th century when they were all legal, and remains so today.

[philman_36]

Tobacco and alcohol consumption have never been illegal. Their "addiction" rates are extremely high in comparison.
I see that you're trying to compare the physical addiction of tobacco and alcohol to the psychological addiction of marijuana.
BIG difference...even HUGE!