Drugs/gambling/prostitution may be considered contraband now (in some jurisdictions) but the decision over which goods/services fit that distinction is a politi

Drugs/gambling/prostitution may be considered contraband now (in some jurisdictions) but the decision over which goods/services fit that distinction is a political question so the answer will change with the political winds. Eliminating cash is inherently centralized: You can't pay someone directly for something. The transaction has to go through a walled-garden intermediary. This is a chokepoint where political policy can be enforced. It is a very useful and obvious tool for those with an authoritarian mindset-- or a utopian mindset but who knows if their idea of utopia will match yours.