1) US Senators need the bribe money.
2) Local law enforcement agencies need the asset forfeiture money.
3) The Mexican government needs the cartel payoff money.
4) The Crips need the sales commission money.
5) The tobacco industry hates competition - and their bought-and-paid for Congressional representatives need the contribution money.
6) The Democrats need a crime epidemic to secure the Federal money for their pet programs.
7) The Republicans need the whole cast of villains to run against.
It's the Perfect Scam - you can't ask them to give it up now. ;)
Mr. Jeeves, you are entirely too cynical!
In my view, the uses of common plants ought to be beneath the dignity of the state to recognize.
But as you point out, there’s no money or power in that!