So if the government was truly getting massive kickbacks, extorting pot cartels, and making more money of its illegality, then why wouldn't the Dems be against it? They love taking money from people and giving it to others more than anyone else around.
In reality, the most sensible explanation is that the Republicans are too beholden to their Christian Conservative voters who cry foul at any "drug". What they need is a true leader who says their approach is FS, that legalization will create business opportunities for entrepreneurs around the country, and tax revenues could be used at the Federal level to balance the budget.
The GOP take on Marijuana is FS. Why can't they see that if they moderated their stance, they would win over a decent amount of 18-40 year olds and also get FREE PUB!
If you can't see that they don't care about winning over voters OR free pub and they're part of a government that gets kick-backs, extorts cartels and makes more money off its illegality, then I can't help you.