I think the reason the war on drugs hasn't stopped is because they've made it to profitable. The US has spent over 1trillion in 40 years with this 'war.' With the current power holders, if it's profitable, they'll keep doing it.
This makes more and more sense once one realizes that this could easily be fixed by passing certain laws. Instead, laws that accomplish the opposite effect are usually set in motion. Also, laws that empower citizens are usually stripped away. We need new power holders with agendas that help benefit as many people as possible.
Just my thoughts on the matter. I could be wrong.