Legal and informal means of prohibition are considered from the point of view of their effectiveness in the prevention of problems associated with drug use. The role of prohibition in relation to corruption and the maintenance of the black market is discussed together with its contribution to the achievement “of the civil society” .
It is argued that while it is inconceivable that prohibition will work perfectly, it may however be the best place to start. If, however, an empirical analysis of its costs and benefits reveals that its costs exceed its benefits it is a policy which cannot be reasonably perpetuated.