Historical examples of "legalizing the lesser to minimize the greater" social harm are cited as workable alternatives, including acceptance of drug users as members of society; understanding that temperance means moderation, not prohibition; diluting the strength of dangerous drugs; substituting less powerful natural drugs for more powerful extracts and synthetics; and designing safer drugs. The key to successful drug policy is a comprehensive strategy which recognizes human differences and is geared to social harm reduction rather than drug prohibition. 28 references (Author abstract)