I disagree that the alcohol comparison is not useful. I think many people in the US take lots of their social world as axiomatic and correct and natural. Two such "axioms" are the legality of alcohol and the illegality of "other drugs." The comparison with alcohol helps those who have not considered drug laws in good faith break out of their stupor and realize the "axioms" are created socially. The hope is that they will realize that the supposedly natural distinction between alcohol and other drugs is illusory.
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