For more background on why we've got a dope problem, check out this LA Times piece on Oxycontin's 12-hour Problem:
It would be illegal for Purdue to promote on any other than 12 hours. It's called off-label promotion and companies pay multi-billion dollar fines for it.
At the very least it's a case of consumer product safety liability and negligence fueled by profit motive.
A lot of capitalism's woes would be overcome should that standard be applied.