"Federal authorities on Tuesday took legal action against 71 medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles County..."

"... part of an ongoing campaign to crack down on the establishments."

“Over the past several years, we have seen an explosion of commercial marijuana stores -– an explosion that is being driven by the massive profits associated with marijuana distribution,” said U.S. Atty. André Birotte Jr. in a statement.  “As today’s operations make clear, the sale and distribution of marijuana violates federal law, and we intend to enforce the law. Even those stores not targeted today should understand that they cannot continue to profit in violation of the law.”

That makes it sound — it's strange and yet familiar — as though what the government opposes is profit. Not drugs.