Exactly. However they can tarnish the reputation of drugs in the eyes of a skeptical public, they will, and they won't lose any sleep over it.
Drugs are a prime threat to people's view of 'national security'. Like false-flag terrorism, drugs are a reason to start wars. The ignorance is alive and thriving, and the governments and their media arms only need to fan the flames to keep it alive. It's never really about protecting people from themselves. It's about money; it's about greed; it's about preserving the empire.
The crucial point of this story which most people will miss is not about 2C-E or dodgy dealers, it's about the irresponsible and unhealthy nature of mankind's relationship with himself and his environment.
I think it also makes politicians feel they are being useful, or at least making appearances as such. They need a pool of good deeds they can point to when reelection time comes around, you know, for advertisement. They have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, and anti-drug legislation falls right in line with the mainstream way of thinking. Not to mention it offers the double-whammy bonus of bipartisan support by default, because nobody wants to look soft on drugs.
After all, drugs crime and violence are all one in the same. All drug use is abuse, etc, etc. Of course, I'm sure many of them actually believe this nonsense. The rest are, as you say, maintaining the empire. There is far more profit to be had keeping drugs illegal, and keeping people ignorant, especially the poor masses.
For those who have a more enlightened view (or are not totally corrupt), few have the courage to admit that prohibition is counter-productive, out of fear of being marginalized. It's doubtful this will change in any significant way in my lifetime.
