The (US) government has a long history of outlawing useful, helpful or otherwise enjoyable things (MDMA, weed and psilocybin) while allowing more destructive things to proliferate (alcohol, opiates). Many governments worldwide still outlaw marijuana and some places will straight up execute people for it (singapore). Keeps the population in check and helped fuel conflict within the lower class to keep them from looking upward.

[–] burrito@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Banning alcohol was already tried and it turned out to be a really bad idea.

[–] Olhonestjim@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

In contrast, the War on Drugs has gone just super great.