... reduces the use of drugs. The magnitude of this effect on consumption depends on the elasticity of demand: the more inelastic is demand, the smaller is this effect. 10 The role of the elasticity ... (c+A)θ, the expected value of the drugs confiscated; and θF, the expected costs of punishment. An increase in punishment to drug offenders, F, raises the cost and lowers the profits of an ... discourage consumption of these goods. The campaign to “just say no” to drugs is an example of an attempt to reduce consumption. The Economic Theory of Illegal Goods: the Case of Drugs Gary S. Becker,...