What would happen to the USA if we ended prohibition right now?

[binary solo]

snyps said:

DeadNotSleeping said:
More addicts, more accidents and a greater burden on the health care system. The average IQ will decrease, as will the number of eligible blood/organ donors. Criminal organization will choose to either compete with legitimate business to sell drugs, likely opting to cut corners on safety and sanitation during production to keep things competitively priced, or they will supplement the lost income by focusing on other methods at generating revenue. Racketeering and weapons smuggling may increase as a result. Average national life span will decrease. Number of infants born with birth defects or neurological conditions will rise--these persons may have the same difficulties moderating emotions as those born with FAS and so a hereditary predisposition towards violence may emerge in a greater number of families. Insurance premiums will rise in certain age groups. National averages for high school test scores will decrease. Border security will be increased to prevent smuggling outside of the country.

None of that happened after alchohol prohibition ended in 1933. What makes this different?

I would argue that it did happen after alcohol was legalised. Only now the drug pushers are fine upstanding business people intsead of back yard bootleggers. The total social cost of alcohol on western societies is massive.

If you think regulation and control will sort our the gangsters and killers you'd be wrong.

But you are right that the war on drugs is a waste of money. Problem is only social transformation can reduce the burden of drugs and alcohol on society. Govt can't do it via regulation.