Why does our government hate pot n its users so much?

I understand it's not for every one but why ruin someone's life and throw them in prison for years over it? Giving people felonies for hash and edibles is cruel and ridiculous i believe. Having hash be a felony is like saying beer is ok but if you have liquor that's illegal and you belong in prison. Really hope the laws will change soon and maybe people will start respecting police again. Hard to respect someone when all they want to do is throw you and prison and make money off of you