Should the government enforce good judgment and good health?

Drinking alcohol may lead to unhealthy excesses but should it be illegal? It's outlaw served only to empower the criminal element, and it certainly did not stop consumption. Aren't we doing the same thing with marijuana for example while heavily funded Mexican gangs are threatening the stability of the southwest and beyond? Why not put these guys out of business by breaking their monopoly on drugs sales by initiating American production and taxation of the drugs these thugs sell? Drug abuse may not be healthy, but neither are the cartels. And besides, let's examine the principle behind their outlaw, what is it about drugs that should make them illegal? Eating a ten pound hamburger may not be a good idea, but should it be illegal? Should the government be involved in making anything that could cause harm illegal?