We hear this statement often. Maybe plucking the feathers to get to the chicken isn't the only way. But yet it is better skimming the surface than doing nothing. We do need another system. As far as the small dealer, they need to use some type of program that is similar to the DUI program.
Law enforcement can also use mandatory community service for a year or more for convicted druggies.
Not the kind of community service that the person would sweep sidewalks. The type of service like shoveling snow off roof tops in Chicago. Make it a memorable experience. As they say, when one crack house is busted, two go up. At least one is removed from that neighborhood.