I have no objection to State and local governments exercising such power. If that power were exclusively exercised at that level, some jurisdictions would have tight rules, and some would have loose rules. There would be options all along the spectrum.
That provides us with the opportunity to vote with our feet. (I'd choose a locality that restricted drugs, pornography, and prostitution.)
To me, this actually maximizes Liberty. We can live in a community that shares our moral values while not forcing folks to live where they find those moral values oppressive.
Federalism promotes Liberty on the individual and community level.
(Oh, BTW, I would expect such a system to highlight the relative value of communities that have high moral standards and those that have relaxed moral standards.)
but what is the problem/danger with the
use of drugs (be it alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or whatever)
in and of its self, that justifies a government at any level (local,fed,or state), to remove the free choice of an individual.
Using the hand of government and the force of "law" to takeaway the free choice of an individual is a very serious thing.
It should not be done unless that choice will interfere with the rights and liberty of another.
Theft, rape, murder, assault, fraud are choices/behaviors that are, in and of themselves a threat to another individuals rights and liberty. I fail to see how drug use, (or the porn and prostitution you mentioned) meets these standards.
There is no such thing as responsible Theft or Rape. There is such thing as responsible drug use.
Lets not punish the responsible individuals, for the actions of the irresponsible.