Actually, the case after legalization is going to be quite the opposite to this statement (or at least after the inevitable court case if Trudeau makes poor decisions).
This kind of product isn't aimed at a medical user, describing themselves as the 'Keurig' is pretty accurate. The average rec person doesn't care about growing monster plants, and what you consider 'shitty' might be more than acceptable (and cost-effective). Not everyone who will be a 'consumer' is going to consume cannabis every day.
There's so much technology available for applications such as this, the Internet of Things (IoT), cheap embedded computers like the Raspberry Pi, Smartphone apps, etc. This particular implementation is overpriced and is very much an Apple-like product in that it emphasizes form (and cost) over function. But for someone who has disposable income and wants something cool looking to grow a plant in, it'll fit the bill.
As things move on, products similar to this will be cheaper, have more features, and be closer to meeting the needs of even medical users. I envision something like grow tents with touch screens for controlling equipment, network-enabled with smartphone apps, remote cameras, etc. Something like that is actually pretty 'easy' technology wise.
So in other words, this particular implementation isn't sending any shivers down Tweed's spine, but the idea has the potential to really bring home growing (and dispel the myth that only the 'professionals' can do it) to the masses. You're going to see an explosion of ancillary products like these after legalization, so this is really just the start.
Oh looky there..its a glorified phototron..
