This is my understanding given my age (older gal, here). That centuries ago, only a tiny fraction of people practiced this shit in various ways. Then those people turned on their besties. And they also realized that they could easily control those just under them after introducing the 'elixir of life.'

Fast fwd to today and well, in the age of innerwebz/tv seems like everyone wants to be a star. Most have no idea that there's a reckoning to be had once a deal is made.

Cut off or at least severely tamp down on the 'product' does not mean demand dwindles at all. Price skyrockets, tho', I'm sure. It's like any other commodity but w/ this one, sounds like it's worse than anything else on face of the Earth.