It's the same logic as when Republicans claim Government doesn't work....

It's not ignorance or stupidity, it's a mission statement.. Republicans are trying to make Government not work and Cops are actively trying to fuck you over

I believe the legal repercussions are part of that "can ruin your life", not just the addiction and/or health concerns.

Though that still makes it an entirely artificial consequence that does not need to and should not exist.

self fulfilling prophecy

You don't go to jail (if there isn't evidence of you selling it) in my country. Because it's not a penal crime, but an administrative one.

Logic is prison slave labor=$$$

I am once again asking everyone to read Alex Vitale's End of Policing