>The government thought regulating the drug market (that is, total ban) would make people not want to do drugs

Eh, that is what was sold to the mainstream idiot. The 'war on drugs' has almost always been a fight against immigrants and minorities. The free market doesn't solve racism against minorities.

The prohibition then if that one is easier to grasp. Same deal. It didn't stop anyone from liking alcohol, and just swept it all under the rug.