Why is the U.S. solution for any drug that may potentially harm "public health" to ban it?

[benon]

It just seems U.S. drug policy is actually perpetuating the creation of new (usually more harmful) substitutes to take the place of drugs that were available before. For instance: A ban on real marijuana (which occurs naturally) leads to the creation of synthetics that are currently legal (and have way more unpredictable side effects). When the U.S. tried to crack down on cocaine use (which caused the price to go through the roof) people responded by using more methamphetamine (which can be made using basic drug store ingredients). Then the U.S. made Sudafed harder to get and the people making the meth just started using common household kitchen products.

Isn't this policy counterproductive to a large degree? Considering the reasoning behind these bans hinges on the argument of protecting "public health".... Wouldn't it be simpler and cheaper to just treat junkies? Then educate the public on the real effects of hard drug use?

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/10/alcoholic-energy-drink-not-drugs-sickened-9-wash-state-students/1

A 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko, a fruity, caffeinated malt liquor, has an alcohol content of 12%, equivalent to drinking four to six beers. The caffeine can also suppress the effects of alcohol, which can make someone drink more than usual.

Washington state's attorney general immediately called for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban the drinks. A proposed state ban died earlier this year in the Legislature.

http://kosu.org/2010/02/bill-would-ban-synthetic-marijuana/

Local law enforcement officials and Oklahoma’s Bureau of Narcotics are constantly fighting new drugs. From meth to prescription pills, it’s an uphill battle to keep these substances off the streets. Now state officials are bracing for another drug called “spice” or “K2” – a synthetic form of marijuana popular in Oklahoma’s neighbor to the north.

K2 is the Kansas brand of manufactured marijuana. Kansas police officers first learned of the synthetic form of pot this past fall. It’s legally sold as incense and undetectable on a basic drug test. Marketed as “spice” in Europe, it produces the same high as regular marijuana, and now it’s spreading in the states. Jeremy Morris is a forensic scientist at the Johnson County crime lab in Mission, Kansas.

[augustus]

Harmful? is there a level of harmfulness for drugs or what? Because last time I checked cigarettes and alcohol are harmful to the public if they are so concerned about "Public Health" why aren't they baned as well?

It's the people's choice whether to do drugs or not, the government should just put a "Government Warning" on all drugs, Tax it, and butt out of people's business.

[jamilah38]

In my opinion the USDA has coused untold suffering and death because it will not allow Americans to use many drugs unless they are 'approved'

Whenever politics gets into health care people suffer.

And we are getting OBAMACARE?

[fenwick]

They don't give a hoot about your health. The ban on marijuana and other "natural" drugs is all about money and competition with Big Business.

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[elton]

The same reason millions of high chairs are recalled after just one injury. Regulation overload.

[gilleabart]

Study thalidomide and the Chinese opium wars.

[cumhea]

darn if i know. Pot is far less addictive and lethel that alcohol.

[adare]

It's to keep the black market price high.

[andor25]

Drug addicts need to learn to say no. If it's potentially harmful to public health (pharmacologicals) they should be banned. Edit: There have been studies since the early 1970's showing the harm. Alcohol should be banned also. You are right about that.