The profit motive and synthetic pot

There is a fundamental connection between substance dependence and the profit motive which results in a vicious circle of pain and profit. As a reminder, an Ocala Florida newspaper article <click here> describes the struggles resulting from using K2, Spice and the like, which are widely available and often sold on convenience store shelves.
Whether it is a powerful prescription product or no-name synthetic marijuana, these substances generate income (sometimes enormous amounts) for the producers. Likewise, each step in the supply chain sees an additional profit to be made, until it reaches the end-user.  That user, in feeding his addiction, pays in many ways -- financially, socially, medically and more, including pain.
Collateral interests also have a huge financial stake. Law enforcement, prosecution, and court systems rake in increased income (largely from tax-payers) to support their involvement with interdiction and criminal prosecution efforts of the middle to end-point distributors. Little effective work seems to be directed towards the manufacturers of these substances. Also, comparatively small amounts are funneled into working towards helping those with addictions.
The bottom line appears to be a monetary windfall for the producers paid for through the pain of the victims of addiction and those close to them; as well as a substantial drain on the taxpayers whose money is being spent by government officials who have little ability (or desire) to either reduce the supply or help those with addiction.