The huge costs are close to 100% related to policing something extremely difficult to police. And of course these costs are somoene’s profit. The DEA still insists that cannabis should be a schedule I drug, but to them these costs are profit and job security, another example how measuring success via profit corrupts then original purpose of an institution.

Similarly, if we were to outlaw red underwear or parsley, individuals who chose these things would incur similar costs.

Or were you referring to something else?