Even in the 70s when Nixon declared "War on Drugs" he was repealing previous mandatory sentences introduced in the 50s. It was in the 80s that the huge mandator

Even in the 70s when Nixon declared "War on Drugs" he was repealing previous mandatory sentences introduced in the 50s. It was in the 80s that the huge mandatory sentences for "Crack" cocaine and lesser ones for other "hard drugs" were re-introduced. Some states also had mandatory sentences throughout this time.