The harm, in this instance, is caused by an abuse of power, IMHO. When your principles are outlawed, your only reward is harm. Obey the law and your harm is the abandonment of principle; obey the principle and your harm is the violation of law.
Would you say the Christian martyrs caused their own harm? Or was it the Romans causing the harm?
LOL! Yes, the recreational use of drugs is a high principle to some.