Drugs were inexpensive and crime was lower than it is today. Most users handled their drug of choice and lived normal, productive lives. Addicts out of control were a tiny minority back then. The first laws prohibiting drugs were racist in origin - to prevent Chinese laborers from using opium and to prevent blacks and Hispanics from using cocaine and marijuana. That was unjust and unfair, just as it is unjust and unfair to make criminals of peaceful drug users today.
Most drug users are social drinkers or occasional users.
Organized crime would be deprived of profits if drugs were decriminalized. The police could then focus its efforts on protecting us from real criminals and keeping them in jails without overcrowding. It is time to legalize drugs and let people take responsibility for themselves. Drug abuse is a tragedy and a sickness. Criminal laws only drive the problem underground and put money in the pockets of the criminal class.