So if govt can't extract taxes directly, they do it indirectly by criminalizing the act, then funnel even minor drug offenders through the prison system where they can finally get their piece of the pie.
Now that state govt's have figured out how to benefit from marijuana sales, they've become more receptive of "drug dealing" as long as you play by their rules and they get a share of every transaction that occurs.
There's also the issue of religion playing a big role in demonizing drugs. I do not want to make a statement in saying religious groups are "right" or "wrong" on the topic of drugs, but I will say they have a large voice in what the U.S. deems as moral.
Just adding a few thoughts/discussion points to your insightful commentary on current society.