The article and editorial on the perception and regulation of drug use in the United States [1, 2] were illuminating but not convincing. One factor about legalization of drugs was not discussed; that is, nationalization of drugs and free distribution to all addicts, an approach that would eliminate the profit from drug use. The advantage of this approach would be twofold. First, the addict would not need to commit a crime to obtain money to buy drugs. The drug to which he or she is addicted would be given free. Second, because no profit would be associated with addiction, the impetus for the pusher to obtain new customers would be eradicated.

To make this system work, the manufacture of heroin and the fields where poppies, cannabis, and cocaine are grown would also have to be nationalized, either by the host country or by direct purchase of the fields by the United States. Otherwise, the producers will have an incentive to increase the use of their products to remain competitive in the drug market.

If the government provides production and free administration of the drugs to all addicts, then possibly, at the very least, the problem will be brought under statistical evaluation and other methods of control could be developed.

Along with the provision of drugs, of course, educational and detoxification programs should be provided. I believe that the expense to the taxpayer will not be any greater than that involved in chasing drug pushers, trying them, incarcerating them, and fighting the street crime that seems attendant to drug use.