Which people believed, just like people believe without conclusive evidence that various things degrade society and cause indirect harm.
Secondly, smoking was never made illegal.
Just wait. It's already illegal in almost all public places in various states and towns. Next it'll be illegal for any parents to smoke because of the kids. Then they'll say it drives up the insurance cost for all of us (an argument used for drug and seatbelt laws) and declare smoking generally illegal. I think we'd all join in the betting pool that this is in the anti-smoking agenda.
Now, how is that different from what the pro-marijuana groups do, for example?
You have it backwards. Marijuana was perfectly legal until a certain holy roller named Anslinger went on a crusade against it, lying to Congress to get his law passed. He had the help of another holy man named William Randolph Hearst (slimeball owner of the media empire) who fabricated news stories to drum up unfounded public support. Pro-marijuana groups simply want to undo the previous unwarranted government intrusion based on lies, racism and personal desires to stamp out what is not liked.
Somewhat pregnant. Legal with restrictions is not illegal.
"certain holy roller named Anslinger went on a crusade against it, lying to Congress"
Oh geez, not this $hit again. When was that, in the 30's for crying out loud? Get over it. You're as bad as the democRATS and their "Al Gore is really the President".
In the year 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act with findings. With some minor modifications, THAT is the law under which we're operating.
Screw Anslinger and the horse he rode in on. He is a non-issue.