Making a nationally syndicated television show about selling cannabis to the public while they know very well they are breaking federal laws is flaunting in my book, so I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.I don't think that Harborside ruined it for anybody but themselves. There are no licensed dispensaries that are flying under the radar. Hundreds have been closed in the last few years and hundreds more have opened up for business.
The feds are playing a game where they try to get the most effect for the least amount of money spent. Very few dispensary owners or employees have been arrested but many threatening letters have been mailed to landlords promising forfeiture if they don't expel their tenants. The feds have just picked the lowest hanging, easiest fruit to harvest and now they will sit back and let the finger pointing and infighting begin again.
Everybody that has a medical recommendation, or not, but is involved in the cannabis industry has picked a fight with the feds. We are all operating contrary to federal laws so it is not at all surprising that the feds are taking action.
The end result of the feds activities will be a much better coordinated black market for recreational smokers and a tougher time for sick people who can really benefit from cannabis.
I also know a couple of Bay Area dispensary owners who were pretty pissed off about Weed Wars and the publicity it brought.