[alexander_busek]

I am, of course, aware that the manufacture of cigarettes - at least as it is now conducted in the 21st century - is a highly complicated industrial process requiring all kinds of process engineering skills, a deep understanding of chemistry, etc.

And I am profoundly sorry and apologize, ansel12, if my "throw-away" remark about "even" the Indians being able to grow tobacco caused offense (it was NOT my intent).

But the whole topic ("how difficult to manufacture," "taxable?") is a side-issue. The fact is that the "War on (Certain) Drugs" has promoted the growth of an, at best, morally ambiguous, para-military drug-law enforcement agency with vast police powers in this country (with extensive activities in OTHER countries!) whose powers deserve being clipped.

Regards,

[TigersEye]

That is the greater point. No doubt about it.