recognize that the War on Drugs is a failure and seek to legalize, control and tax the trade in a safe manner.

Like Prohibition before it, the war on drugs is a patent failure, costing billions p.a., and making fortunes for organized crime (as did Prohibition). It also destabilizes producer countries where the drug lords wield such huge funds and power (thanks to demand in the West) .
The government should decriminalize drug consumption and ownership of small quantities, authorize legal, controlled sales outlets, and tax the products. By buying the crops directly from the producers, the criminal elements will be eliminated, and significant revenue will be secured. Part of the funds raised should be earmarked for anti-drug education and for reimbursing healthcare costs (currently coming from the public purse).
Benefits: income instead of cost, reduced crime, improved health, more stable countries