fight4rights

I was looking for a little help with this venture. I would like to become a caregiver and co-op so that I can legally dispense cannabis to other patients in my community.

I will not be a club in the sense that this is not a business, there is no store front, and it won't be open to the public. My goal is to be able to provide my friends (also patients) with medical quality cannabis and answer any questions they may have about cannabis.

My plan so far is to keep a copy of everyone's recommendation on file and along with a document stating that I am their caregiver (something very similar to what you sign when you join a regular cannabis club.) I will be growing the cannabis myself and I would like to know what i need to do to protect myself legally. I have applied to for my state issued ID card, and would also like to get a state issued card identifying me as a caregiver. how do i get a state issued id card?

I plan on sending sign-on delivery letters to the DA, local authorities, and the mayor of the city telling them my intentions and asking for their input on what they would like to see me doing to ensure this goes well.

Finally, what do I need to do to become a co-op? I ask because I know several other patients who grow cannabis and I would like to be able to be able to provide their medicine as well.

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"Those who do no harm to others should not be harmed by others..." Ethan Nadelmann
"Revolution is not a right, it is an obligation." John Locke
"Do SOMETHING besides argue emotions against the law, because it simply isn't a rational way to affect any type of change whatsoever. No offense intended, but your opinion on things is a moot point unless you take actions to change the law, rather than ramble about how unfair or injust it is." troublemaker_42
"'Just say no' to drugs, except those marketed by big pharmaceutical companies." Ignorant Politicians

ninfan77

I think you'd be better off talking to a medical club themselves about how to do this, along w/ any LEO etc (altho i wouldnt talk to leo !)

BartSimpson

It is a worthy cause and I wish you the best of success - the world needs more folks like you. Being from the 805 as well, I am proud of your efforts to help those whose suffering is lessened by Medical MJ in our community.

With any business venture, you should seek the advice of a business lawyer for the actual requirements. If you attempt this on your own without counsel, you are likely to make significant mistakes. You may not think you are a business, but you will be governed as such. Your question can only be answered by an attorney in your community - it is the cost of doing business. Your attorney will also advise you on the necessary documentation required and the maintenance of medical records, which are confidential and tricky.

I see in your current plan a number of flaws - for example the letters to the DA, local authorities and Mayor are a mistake. They cannot provide you legal advice or counsel. You need to research what the city or county code says. Many communities, including yours, also have zoning requirements for such operations - distances from schools, use of residential property for business purposes, and such. A call to your city's planning or community development department will help you identify the pertainent codes. This is a call you can make today without fear of repercussion.

Communities also consider the security issues and so should you; there are bad actors who will want to take your MJ - so local regulations are going to address security. You need to seriously consider how you will protect yourself from the threat, possibly at gunpoint, of intruders bent on robbing you of your MMJ. After consideration, you should be able to articulate a clear and concise plan to preserve the safety and security of your product. By way of suggestion - having folks come to your house is a huge security risk. I would contact the Public Relations Officer of your city's Police Department and straight out ask for an opinion on your operation - you have nothing to hide and the Department will likely be very helpful on the front end.

Finally, I highly recommend you do a search and read the Jason Brooks thread here on MJ.com - he was a Grover Beach resident who flew by the seat of his pants and lost it all because he did not ask the question you asked. Don't start growing until you have sorted out the details, have the necessary permits or licenses, and have an attorney of record. Good Luck!

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