> decades of "maybe years in jail for drug use is excessive?",

Which is why we have a massive network of treatment and diversion programs often initiated by courts directly. It's been a long time since we've had a true "black and white" enforcement regime.

> drugs used by the wealthy generally have lower penalties than those use by everyone else

Wealthy people smoke crack too. What they can afford is to insulate themselves from the risk by being several layers removed from the transactions.

> Treat drugs the same way we treat alcohol

There are dry counties. There are states with specific ABV prohibitions in certain products and with dispensing limits in establishments. Some states have state operated liquor stores. The way we treat alcohol is not homogenous.

Then we'd have to get into product safety, licensing and liability concerns. What process should a "herion shop" be required to submit to before opening?