Why are some drugs illegal?

So the short answer to the question “why are (some) drugs illegal?” is simple. It's because the editors of powerful newspapers want it that way. They see getting drugs banned as a tangible measure of success, a badge of honour. read more

Some drugs – such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine – are legal, whereas others – such as cannabis, cocaine and opium – are not. This has not always been the case. In the 19th century extracts of these three now-illegal drugs were legal in the UK, and were sold in pharmacies and even corner shops. read more

Both parties fully support keeping marijuana and other drugs illegal and keeping the war on drugs going because they say drugs are dangerous. That’s not the case though. There is a much longer and more controversial history behind why some drugs are legal and why other drugs are illegal. read more

"Drugs" are not illegal. Some drugs, like caffeine, are completely legal; some drugs, like nicotine, alcohol, and pharmaceuticals are controlled -- you have to meet certain conditions in order to obtain them, like turning 18 or having a prescription; and some drugs, like marijuana, LSD, and crystal methamphetamine are banned. read more