The slight change in political climate that justifies empirical observation is very hypocritical to be sure. I think the motives behind prohibition of these substances is interesting, and is quite telling in regard to our society. One under appreciated aspect is the overwhelming religiousness of psychedelic experiences, with history as long as society itself. Such that it presents a problem to any religious philosophy that will not accept "drugs" as genuine supernatural tools, because psychedelic effects can therefore be understood through science or objective observation. And therefore all human spiritual phenomena is subject to that same scrutiny. I think this creates an unconscious dichotomy in the mind of the average person. In my personal experience this was a profound disillusionment, and well worth the perceived risk 'recreational' use implies.