> Why are so many years of studies/paperwork needed? Why not just produce the drug and let people take it (who know the above risks)? That could happen as soon

> Why are so many years of studies/paperwork needed? Why not just produce the drug and let people take it (who know the above risks)? That could happen as soon as this afternoon. We tried this and got snake-oil and Bayer Heroin. Anyone with questionable scruples who wants to make a buck will have a market of sick and desperate people who are quite literally dying to be told "maybe this will save/elongate your life". There needs to be a check on perverse incentives, and rigorous research and clinical trials are the solution we've come up with.