I developed a theory, I was actually sober at the time, that drugs are essential to cultural development.

ofcourse its just a theory and a half assed one at that, but the main argument is tough to negate. The best music, literature, and movies, in western history were and continue to be crafted by artists, producers, writers, and actors, that are loaded on Blow, and Horse, Acid, Alcohol and even though I hate to classify Mary Jane with these drugs, it simply cannot be left out. From Jules Vergne to Richard Pryor and many many artists and entertainers in between.

Even natives who live in the jungle and dance naked around fires while beating drums get loaded on booze and different types of smoke, or chews.

Personally, I dont think there is anything wrong with drugs, only with some peoples attitude toward drugs. People are poorly educated and lack self control, that leads to dangerous addiction and overdose. More Americans than any poll would ever reveal use hard drugs recreationally with no negative consequences, and the only danger being legal consequences, and having to do business in bad neighborhoods in back alleys to obtain their consumer goods. But thats a societal sickness that can't be cured with prohibition.

Attitude overhauls are needed on all sides.

Government has solved the age old dilemma of the alchemists. In order to turn lead into gold, just add blood.