When Canada legalized cannabis, the enabling legislation prohibited nearly all cannabis advertising. Producers are pretty much restricted to propagating their brand name. They most certainly can't have an ad that portrays cannabis users as sexy and cool.
Quebec went so far that selling clothing or bags with a cannabis leaf on them is now illegal. While that law is probably unconstitutional for its excessive restriction of free expression, it gives an insight into the mentality of the legislators, when it came to cannabis advertising.
And yet nothing stops Anheuser-Busch from proselytizing the message that getting drunk on Bud Light will get you showered you in women and make you the life of the party. Billboards, TV, Internet ads, radio, sponsorships.
Even the government alcohol monopoly advertises alcohol!
Prohibition doesn't count?
What about all the no-smoking-in-bars etc. laws?
And the warnings on the packaging?
The manufacturers don't do that voluntarily.
C'mon now.
And prohibition was later repealed when they wanted the tax money, even though it had overall health benefits to society.
In re: alcohol... I would hate to give up port. There's an argument there for the artistry of the brewer/vintner, but overall alcohol consumption is pretty vile.
But you said "no one dares to go after them" which is wrong, and set off my "wait, what?" reaction.