What are your thoughts on caregivers and dispensary franchises -- can they co-exist?

To clarify, there are vertically integrated franchises that, IMO, are too big to control quality; and there are some that are more tailored to craft cannabis.

I'd think caregivers can coexist with franchise dispensaries for a number of reasons, but the most obvious is that some areas don't want storefronts in their community. Those places, as well as generally underserved (usually rural) areas, would seem to be the best longterm fit for caregivers (assuming practical plant limits (e.g., Maine's 30 bloom, 60 veg v. RI's 12 & 12)).

Your insight is appreciated. Thank you.

Most of the dispensaries around me cater to both clients.

Phytoplankton said:

Most of the dispensaries around me cater to both clients.

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Yes, of course. And some jurisdictions may require or propose rules to require a storefront. For jurisdictions that allow a caregiver to grow and sell out of their home, those caregivers' days may be numbered. Personally, I hope not.

Apostatize said:

Yes, of course. And some jurisdictions may require or propose rules to require a storefront. For jurisdictions that allow a caregiver to grow and sell out of their home, those caregivers' days may be numbered. Personally, I hope not.

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Not sure I agree with them being able to sell it, unless they have the same testing requirements as the dispensaries.

Phytoplankton said:

Not sure I agree with them being able to sell it, unless they have the same testing requirements as the dispensaries.

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Good point. From what I understand, caregivers are less regulated than storefronts. Even the taxes are lower (e.g., last I looked, Rhode Island has a simple $25 tax per plant; caregivers just have to buy a $25 tag for each plant).

In a state like Maine, there was a ban on all pesticides; but it's been relaxed somewhat. Whereas, RI might require the growing be under video surveillance 24/7.

Generally, a caregiver in a state with a plant limit like Maine, can have one employee and might earn $40-60k/year, upward to maybe tops $100k.

If you have counties that don't want storefronts (e.g., California has more licenses than storefronts because of local restrictions), someone with MS shouldn't have to drive 3 counties to buy an 1/8th (or even an ounce). So, until delivery services can deliver everywhere (they're limited by profit and can't use USPS), caregivers will likely exist -- better than black market, I guess.

Apostatize said:

Good point. From what I understand, caregivers are less regulated than storefronts. Even the taxes are lower (e.g., last I looked, Rhode Island has a simple $25 tax per plant; caregivers just have to buy a $25 tag for each plant).

In a state like Maine, there was a ban on all pesticides; but it's been relaxed somewhat. Whereas, RI might require the growing be under video surveillance 24/7.

Generally, a caregiver in a state with a plant limit like Maine, can have one employee and might earn $40-60k/year, upward to maybe tops $100k.

If you have counties that don't want storefronts (e.g., California has more licenses than storefronts because of local restrictions), someone with MS shouldn't have to drive 3 counties to buy an 1/8th (or even an ounce). So, until delivery services can deliver everywhere (they're limited by profit and can't use USPS), caregivers will likely exist -- better than black market, I guess.

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My county in CA hates storefronts, but delivery services are everywhere. Collectives are also allowed, so groups can have a proxy person grow for them and provide them with medicine.

Phytoplankton said:

My county in CA hates storefronts, but delivery services are everywhere. Collectives are also allowed, so groups can have a proxy person grow for them and provide them with medicine.

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Interesting -- local rules. I recall reading Washington state guidance and they don't like co-ops (assuming that's a collective), because it's difficult to determine who the weed belongs to. But yeah, delivery may be the key.

Apostatize said:

Interesting -- local rules. I recall reading Washington state guidance and they don't like co-ops (assuming that's a collective), because it's difficult to determine who the weed belongs to. But yeah, delivery may be the key.

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In Ca, the proxy grower has to have statements and copies of the medical certs for every person he/she is growing for. It is also very county specific, some counties only allow 6 plants, others up to 99 plants.

I think we need to enable a system where medical cultivators can work with dispensaries to sell medicine to medical card holders.

This wont happen because they are pouring millions of their own money into grow facilities, and they need the public to believe they have the best product.

Alternatively, we just legalize weed, like any other plant, and suddenly farmers markets get alot more popular.