Almost all of our narcotics come from south of the border. Controlling the drugs is far more complicated than pricing them as high as possible. ENFORCING the drug laws is the missing link. EASY to make a ton of laws; not so easy to enforce them. There is WAY too much money and far too many governments involved in the entire industry.
There simply IS no easy, pat answer. Never has been; never will be. People will continue to use drugs, legal or not, because they haven't the wherewithal to face life without a crutch. Not much has changed since Adam and Eve.
There is an easy answer. Over the counter sales of any drug should be legal at every drug store in the country. If you want a pharmacy license there is a list of drugs you must stock. If the customer can spell it, he can buy it.
This would take a huge bite out of crime at every level. Starve the cartels into submission. I don't think more people would take up drugs. No enormous profits, no easy living for dealers, no one to push drugs on young kids. Sure, they will do it on their own, but fewer than with the system we have now.
Crimes to get money for drugs would fall with the price of drugs. No more million dollar payoffs which easily corrupt border patrol and customs officials.
All in all, many fewer lives ruined by drugs...