How would I go about opening a "Co-Op"?

[Tony1234567890]

OK, every stoner's dream.

I want to open my own Co-Op/Dispensory in Southern California. How would I go about it?

Yes, I have a recomendation for MMJ.

[hatenme]

i think you have to apply for a licence through the county
you can may alot of money but in the end you will most likely get raided by The DEA and they dont fuck around there shuting down all of the cannabis clubs... ONE BY ONE

but fuck it :rastasmoke:

[the image reaper]

first, set aside a few hundred thousand dollars ... that will be for your lawyers' retainer fees and Bail ... then, apply to your County District Attorney for a Caregiver's Permit, and count the days until they come and take you away ... pretty simple, actually ... I suppose that sounds sarcastic, but that really is what it has become ... when you allow street thugs to open storefronts for selling drugs, somebody needs to step in (and, they are, unfortunately the rare legitimate supplier gets caught up, too) ... :smokin:

[Tony1234567890]

I want to open up a deliveyr service. Not your typical just like everybody else delivery, but a super delivery co-op. I know most store fronts get nailed, but I read that the DEA is slowing down the raids and also if you are doing deliveyr only that the dea ignores you.

Also, lets say I get a year or two out of it, SCREW IT! It'll be worth it and it'll be fun!

[the image reaper]

I want to open up a deliveyr service. Not your typical just like everybody else delivery, but a super delivery co-op. I know most store fronts get nailed, but I read that the DEA is slowing down the raids and also if you are doing deliveyr only that the dea ignores you.

Also, lets say I get a year or two out of it, SCREW IT! It'll be worth it and it'll be fun!

a "year or two" of prison would be "worth it, and fun" ??? ... Dude, you need to get out more :S2:

[Tony1234567890]

From what I've read, when a store despensory gets raided, they just take your product and you don't go to jail if you agree not to open up again.

From that, yes it would be worth it.

If there is any jail time, it still may be worth it depending on how much money you've made.

Now let's say I make 500K in six months and they want me to serve let's say 3 to 6 months in FEDERAL PRISON, not state or county, Club Fed, I'd gamble.

Would you go to federal prison for 6 months for 500K?

I've been in Federal Prison for 6 months before and it was easy. It was a complete breeze, just don't mess with anyone and RESPECT EVERYONE.

Dunno if I'd do a year for 500K. Six months without a problem.

For a cool (clean no taxes) Million, I'd do a year. Even 18 months. Absolute minumum security, my own cell, one conjical visit per month, one family visit per month and $$ on my books I'd do a two years.

Im so fucking high right now :)

[hatenme]

From what I've read, when a store despensory gets raided, they just take your product and you don't go to jail if you agree not to open up again.

From that, yes it would be worth it.

If there is any jail time, it still may be worth it depending on how much money you've made.

Now let's say I make 500K in six months and they want me to serve let's say 3 to 6 months in FEDERAL PRISON, not state or county, Club Fed, I'd gamble.

Would you go to federal prison for 6 months for 500K?

I've been in Federal Prison for 6 months before and it was easy. It was a complete breeze, just don't mess with anyone and RESPECT EVERYONE.

Dunno if I'd do a year for 500K. Six months without a problem.

For a cool (clean no taxes) Million, I'd do a year. Even 18 months. Absolute minumum security, my own cell, one conjical visit per month, one family visit per month and $$ on my books I'd do a two years.

Im so fucking high right now :)

well if you think its easy then do it.
but when you do get in trouble your bail will be very high, also when you go trail you dont get to state the the marijuana you where selling was for medicinal purposes, so the the jugde and the jury think your an other person just selling weed to make money, and thats why cannabis clubs get raided, cuz PEOPLE GEt too greedy.. BUt yes can maKe alot of money but i wouldnt want to take that risk!!

:rastasmoke:

[Nailhead]

From what I've read, when a store despensory gets raided, they just take your product and you don't go to jail if you agree not to open up again.

You need to pay more attention to the news buddy, the DEA is a terrorist organization. Proof is in the links below:
Kids taken from church-going parents who operated medical marijuana co-op (http://www.mpp.org/victims/the-naulls-family.html)

Student who delivered marijuana Raped In Cell (http://www.mpp.org/victims/unnamed-florida-college-student.html)

Paraplegic arrested for possession with intent to distribute (http://www.mpp.org/victims/jimmy-montgomery.html)

www.mpp.org/victims (http://www.mpp.org/victims/)
Read more terrorizing stories of what the War on Drugs is doing to non-violent people in America, what makes you think the DEA will go easy on you? Don't open a co-op if you don't have a damn good lawyer, period!!

[the image reaper]

first time I was in jail, about 1968, it took me about 30 seconds to remember all the pussy is 'out there' ... figured I'd avoid jail from that point on ... :jointsmile: P.S., like they say in the joint: "fight, fuck, or climb a tree" (and, there aint no trees in prison) :wtf:

[DrDoja]

no if u go to norml.org i read on there feds r cutting down on busts of medical clubs so ya idk i thought i just throw that out there

[the image reaper]

no if u go to norml.org i read on there feds r cutting down on busts of medical clubs so ya idk i thought i just throw that out there

NORML needs to read the newspapers out here in sunny California :D

[Bulster]

Sure Tony, please be just another greedy motherfucker looking for a quick buck while FUCKING EVERYTHING UP FOR THOSE WHO RUN LEGITIMATE CO-OP'S AND MAKING THE LEGAL BATTLES ON BOTH THE STATE AND FEDERAL FRONTS EVEN HARDER TO WIN WHILE HURTING THE OVERALL REPUTATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA.
Don't take this too personally but your approach and intent to get rich is exactly why we still have the feds running around and innocent people are convicted in federal court.
PLEASE, understand the meaning of the words 'REASONABLE COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES'. To me this means making a living....not getting rich.

[Tony1234567890]

Dude? Why is it wrong to get rich? It's supply & demand. People in the IE demand a good co-op and I may be to supply them. What's wrong with making a profit off what I'm selling?

Sorry, I don't love weed that much to devote my time & money and risk prison without getting paid.

I'm compassionate and I care about people but I'm not going to risk my life to help others without a benefit for me. Heck, a Fireman who puts his life on the line would't be doing it without the pension. A Doctor who cares about people wouldn't be so caring without the money.

Didn't know I'd be ruining it for everyone if I tried to open a Co-Op and make a few bucks off of it.

[keeko]

''gotta spend money to make money''

hope you have the funds to start up a buisness in socal

[Bulster]

But that's the thing.. you're not trying to make a few bucks, you're trying to make a lot, and given the current legal environment that's a disastrous recipe' for everyone. Also, keep in mind that any federal law suit is typically accompanied by assett forfeiture which basically means that you can lose your house/land or whatever you own. Or if you're renting then the landlord stands the same risk.

Now if you want to help some people and make a normal living then I think it's marvelous and I'm behind you all the way.
Again, don't take it personally, I do understand your motivation, and if marijuana was legal and taxed as it should be then competition would drive prices down like on everything else and you'd be able to make a regular living and without the risk.... hopefully some day.

[Nailhead]

As a medical marijuana patient I see absolutely nothing wrong with a co-op running their business to make money, personally, I say God bless the free market. Free market is what allows a person to run a large business that can process consistent high quality products for consumers to purchase. I really don't care if the people working at the co-op I visit are making millions of dollars, as long as I can get high quality medicine at a reasonable price, I will continue to visit.

To Tony:
My personal feeling is that if you really want to do this, do it, I don't care if your motivation is to bring safe access to the dried out Inland Empire or to make a lot of cash, I believe you deserve every penny you profit off of. However, I will again recommend you don't actually open a co-op if you honestly believe the chances of being arrested are low. Opening up in the IE would put you right in the cross hairs of the DEA, making you almost as wanted as Marc Emery.

Don't be stupid, get a damn good attorney before you start anything. Not some Larry H Parker lawyer, a real one, one that will cost you a lot of money, that is what you need. If you don't hire the best lawyer available then I don't want to hear your sob story in the newspaper about how you are being unfairly sent to prison. You have been warned and I gave you examples with the links above.

I am not going to tell you what you should or shouldn't do, that is up to you, but just want you to fully realize what you are thinking about getting involved with. In my personal opinion you seem a bit naive, which is why I highly suggest consulting with an attorney rather than a bunch of pot heads on an internet forum site.

[wickerbill]

I'm not from Ca. I only get info from what I read, although I'm all for someone making an honest buck, there is a predatory, greed driven, tone in Tony's posts. I became a cannabis fan in the 60s, things were very different then, the quality wasn't as good, but people were eager to share, when you scored, you tried out the product before the sell. I just would hope that people that provide mmj as meds to people that are ill would not gouge patients like the big drug companies do. I tend to agree with Bulster, there are too many parasites out there,;) and to prey on sick people is really bad karma.

[Tony1234567890]

If I were to open up a Co-Op, I'd cap at $75 an 1/8th and deliveries would be a minimum order of a hundred. Not outrageous & not expensive. Seriously ill patients would gre free meds of course.

The only way I'd get into it is if I made more then 25% profit and was able to get super serious weed. If I can't provide top shelf buds (heh, nice name, Top Shelf Buds) I wouldn't do it.

Sure some would complain about $75 an 1/8th but most would be thrilled not to wait around for a delivery guy or not to drive through L.A.'s wonderful traffic to get meds.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting a business STRICTLY for the profit. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get rich.

My grand dad once gave me some excellent advice: If you see a man selling bags of his own shit for five dollars each, is he stupid? I answered YES he is. The old man told me, No he is not. The person who buys that bag of shit is the stupid one.

[the image reaper]

If I were to open up a Co-Op, I'd cap at $75 an 1/8th and deliveries would be a minimum order of a hundred. Not outrageous & not expensive. Seriously ill patients would gre free meds of course.

The only way I'd get into it is if I made more then 25% profit and was able to get super serious weed. If I can't provide top shelf buds (heh, nice name, Top Shelf Buds) I wouldn't do it.

Sure some would complain about $75 an 1/8th but most would be thrilled not to wait around for a delivery guy or not to drive through L.A.'s wonderful traffic to get meds.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting a business STRICTLY for the profit. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get rich.

My grand dad once gave me some excellent advice: If you see a man selling bags of his own shit for five dollars each, is he stupid? I answered YES he is. The old man told me, No he is not. The person who buys that bag of shit is the stupid one.

thats real big-hearted of ya, when 1/4 oz of excellent smoke is going for about $80 with a decent hookup in my area of CA ... :smokin:

[PharmaCan]

Tony - There are already about a dozen delivery services in the IE. Prices for good MMJ start at $50/8th and go up to about $75 for the really good stuff. There are delivery services that open at 8:00 am, and services that deliver until 12:00 pm. There is absolutely nothing new or revolutionary or "super" about what you want to do. If you want to open a delivery service, more power to you; I wish you the best of luck. But I doubt you'll be the Sam Walton of MMJ in the IE. What your are proposing is simply not unique.

PC :smokin:

[smokinbomb]

i did'nt read thru every post i just wanted to drop this link off

MarijuanaBusinessNews.Com - Your Guide To Making Money in the Multi-Billion Dollar Marijuana Market (http://marijuanabusinessnews.com/)

its pretty interesting check it out

-Bomb

[Nailhead]

Can I just repeat that I am a medical marijuana patient in the Inland Empire and I see absolutely nothing wrong with what Tony is proposing to do? I feel like I am the only one lol.

First off, I want to just remind people that free market is a good thing, making money is why everybody goes to work in the morning, what is wrong with doing that? Nobody is forced to buy Tony's meds, if you don't like his prices, there are plenty of other delivery services as Pharma mentioned, (and many more brick and mortar co-ops if you don't mind the drive). No matter what Tony decides to charge, he is not being "greedy" or "predatory", he is just simply opperating a business for profit, which is the only model that will work. This is why California's medical marijuana is often copied in other states laws, that "free marijuana from caregivers" bullshit I read about in other states just doesn't work and the proof should be quite obvious. Thank god I have the freedom to choose where I get my meds from and am not forced to one grower!

$75 an eighth is what I pay, and it's not even getting delivered to me, I have to drive a good distance for that. In the IE Tony's prices would not at all be unreasonable, and I should remind you that he said that was his "cap", meaning that is just highest he would go on price, If he runs a decent business I'm sure you can get cheaper meds if you are tight on cash, as do most co-ops, (although I never get the low grades hehe). Tony also did mention he is only interested in getting high quality meds, if he was really into jacking people he would buy shit weed, spray it with sugar, make up some weird name for it and label it a high grade, but as long as the quality is there, and he is upfront about his prices, he is doing nothing morally wrong.

Free market is the best way to keep quality and price at good levels with medical marijuana. More supply drives down cost, and good competition keeps pushing quality higher and higher. The motives of those that run the facilities providing the meds are irrelevant, because the patient is free to visit a different facility as they please.

People like Tony are not ruining medical marijuana for California, the DEA is, stop forgetting the real threat to California's medical marijuana system! By targeting legal co-ops, the DEA is the direct cause of why co-op prices are higher than street prices, the price has nothing to do with the people running the facility. It is simple supply and demand, the DEA is eliminating the supply which causes price to skyrocket. Come on people, I'm no business major but even I can understand this!

So again, as a medical marijuana patient in the IE I welcome Tony if he does decide to start his own co-op, although to be honest, I probably will never use his services, I'd rather drive to a co-op, even if it's a bit far, but I'm sure there are many people that are not in the physical condition to be making such trips, and would be interested in his services. Just hope you have a good attorney!

[kgb420]

seems to me, a few of you guys are missing the point. the goal here should be providing safe access to medicine to patients, not making a quick buck! i am not going to preach here, my point simply is that there are different types of coops out there. some are just there to make money, and yet others are there to provide a service to the community. and although i don't agree with the dea tactics out here, i do understand that certain people will attract that type of attention no matter what business they get into, especially anything controversial. unfortunately, the good caregivers often get caught up in the "cross-fire", or simply get treated the sam as the bad ones.

[Nailhead]

certain people will attract that type of attention no matter what business they get into

What does this mean? Why is it wrong for an individual to want to run a business for profit? When has free market ever harmed product quality and price? Free market is exactly what we need to improve the care and safe access to patients! Making money is what motivates people to open a business, everybody needs money in this world to survive, why are you condemning what everybody already does, including yourself?

One of my dreams in life is to open my own pizza restaurant. I love pizza, and I would love to make money selling it. Does wanting to make money make my business seem bad in anyway? Doesn't EVERYBODY open a business to make as much money as they can?

Now back to making pizzas, if I sell pizza that tastes like shit, I'm not going to be getting a lot of business. However, if some people visit anyway because I am located closer than the nearest Pizza Hut, am I "taking advantage" of them? If I charge $15 for a large pepperoni pizza while Pizza Hut 10 miles away charges $10 am I being "greedy"?

Nobodies argument against Tony would ever hold up if you applied it to any other business, so I don't understand how anybody can really criticize Tony for doing what any other business person would, and should, do?

Seems like people continue to assume the reason the prices are high is because of greedy businessman, which isn't true at all. Any job that includes high risk usually pays well, and why shouldn't it? Lawyers aren't exactly cheap....

[kgb420]

What does this mean? Why is it wrong for an individual to want to run a business for profit? When has free market ever harmed product quality and price? Free market is exactly what we need to improve the care and safe access to patients! Making money is what motivates people to open a business, everybody needs money in this world to survive, why are you condemning what everybody already does, including yourself?

One of my dreams in life is to open my own pizza restaurant. I love pizza, and I would love to make money selling it. Does wanting to make money make my business seem bad in anyway? Doesn't EVERYBODY open a business to make as much money as they can?

Now back to making pizzas, if I sell pizza that tastes like shit, I'm not going to be getting a lot of business. However, if some people visit anyway because I am located closer than the nearest Pizza Hut, am I "taking advantage" of them? If I charge $15 for a large pepperoni pizza while Pizza Hut 10 miles away charges $10 am I being "greedy"?

Nobodies argument against Tony would ever hold up if you applied it to any other business, so I don't understand how anybody can really criticize Tony for doing what any other business person would, and should, do?

Seems like people continue to assume the reason the prices are high is because of greedy businessman, which isn't true at all. Any job that includes high risk usually pays well, and why shouldn't it? Lawyers aren't exactly cheap....


i think you missed my point. i'm not saying there's anything wrong with a business making money. what i am saying is that RIGHT NOW the priority should be proving to the communities and their representatives that medical cannabis CAN be legalized safely. like you said, right now, this is a "high risk" business, which is where our focus shoud be. of course, eventually hemp will become as big and as accepted as any other big industry, but first we have to make sure we don't fuck it up ;) crawl before we walk type of thing..

[Nailhead]

I understand what you are saying, but at the same time I disagree because too many good people have been harassed or put away that were playing by the rules and not looking to make a profit. So I say go ahead and make a profit to pay for your future legal fees.

As long as the co-op is respecting local city law enforcement and nearby businesses by keeping their customers from hanging around outside, I don't see what people could complain about. Most I've been to are very discrete and you would never know it was a co-op unless you walked inside, but if you asked people and told them what they did many might still complain just because they have a personal bias against the thought of somebody selling marijuana, even if its for medical reasons.

Many people also assume medical marijuana is for near death people, so when they see someone like me that on the outside looks like a typical 28 year old walking in, they might assume I don't really need it and then have an issue with that co-op. It all comes down to people's bias against marijuana, some people just need to lighten up because I think the majority of co-ops are run very professionally and do a good job at not causing problems for their surroundings.

[luvfriday]

"Illegitimi non carborundum"

I love that

[Opie Yutts]

Also, lets say I get a year or two out of it, SCREW IT! It'll be worth it and it'll be fun!

Holy fucking crap. I've never heard anything more ridiculous in my life. I recommend starting butthole-stretching exercises right away.

[MVP]

Holy fucking crap. I've never heard anything more ridiculous in my life. I recommend starting butthole-stretching exercises right away.

Holy Fucking Crap, that is funny!!! :S2: Won't fucking let me rep ya for that one, but I would if I could.....

[veggii]

I think the place to start would be just like any other business
you should obtian a california sellers permit
keep records of your sales (donotions)lol
and pay your taxes!!!!

[Ziggy Stardust]

1st the reason ALL you dudes worry about going to jail is because your all talkin about doin unlawful shit

2nd all i hear here is about makin $$$$$ and not helping sick people

just remember what the fed is really worried about is REGULATION and getting THEIR end

you wanna open a co op and NOT go to jail???

make sure you got all your paperwork in order i.e. here in calif the law states that ALL counties must have a Med Marj county ID AS WELL as your Drs reccom. if you live in a county that does not have such a prog go to another and get one of theirs

abide by the law and grow only what you are authorized to. here in calif its 12 plants 6 in flower and 6 in veg

DONT have more med marj on hand that allowed by law again the "base" here in calif is 8oz if you have more than that after YOU ARE arrested the law says that you are entitled to a hearing to demonstrate and present argument to the court that what you DO have is what you NEED to rec benefit. Clinics are allowed 2.5 lbs.

DOCUMENT all the plants you have, that means if you are growing for some RECCOMENDED friends make sure you ID all your plants with their names and Drs name and have copies of all your paperwork on the premisis inclusive of your "caregiver" agreements.

RECORD whatever the DRIED net weight is and ducument where every stick goes.

whats tragic is when all the medical marijuana users get a break from the voters the black market guys try to find some way to abuse it

medical marijuana is NOT for the making of PROFIT but to ease the suffering of the sick and diseased

you break the law you go to jail

[8182KSKUSH]

1st the reason ALL you dudes worry about going to jail is because your all talkin about doin unlawful shit

2nd all i hear here is about makin $$$$$ and not helping sick people

just remember what the fed is really worried about is REGULATION and getting THEIR end

you wanna open a co op and NOT go to jail???

make sure you got all your paperwork in order i.e. here in calif the law states that ALL counties must have a Med Marj county ID AS WELL as your Drs reccom. if you live in a county that does not have such a prog go to another and get one of theirs

abide by the law and grow only what you are authorized to. here in calif its 12 plants 6 in flower and 6 in veg

DONT have more med marj on hand that allowed by law again the "base" here in calif is 8oz if you have more than that after YOU ARE arrested the law says that you are entitled to a hearing to demonstrate and present argument to the court that what you DO have is what you NEED to rec benefit. Clinics are allowed 2.5 lbs.

DOCUMENT all the plants you have, that means if you are growing for some RECCOMENDED friends make sure you ID all your plants with their names and Drs name and have copies of all your paperwork on the premisis inclusive of your "caregiver" agreements.

RECORD whatever the DRIED net weight is and ducument where every stick goes.

whats tragic is when all the medical marijuana users get a break from the voters the black market guys try to find some way to abuse it

medical marijuana is NOT for the making of PROFIT but to ease the suffering of the sick and diseased

you break the law you go to jail

I don't know if you have first hand exp or not, all your suggestions "sound" great, but in fact no matter how you cut it, you are opening yourself up to "Federal Prosecution" no matter how by the book you are. It does not matter, at a minimum you will be charged with possession, intent to distribute, and some other weird charge that amounts to pinning you with being behind an "operation" to distribute, the exact ver batum wording escapes me. Brass tax is that no matter how by the book you are, no matter how legit you are, the Feds can do multiple things to you. They can break into and enter your clinic, take anything and everything from the medicine to money in donation jars for other non-profit organization, i.e. (march of dimes, ect...), AND if that's not enough they may even pay a visit to your residence, break in, steal anything they want, arrest you and charge you. Or, they could just take all your money and medicine and not do anything to you personally. That really depends on specifically which county you may be in, even in federal court, you get a jury, and some are known to be harder to receive convictions for than others. (Imagine that, somewhere an overwhelming majority of citizens pass referendums, and the fed can't make them acknowledge federal laws that directly contradict what the citizens of the state voted in...hmmm?:wtf:

For instance in L.A,they recently just went into a clinic, took all the meds and money and left, no arrests? Why??? They do not want to go to trial and lose, it would set a president. So instead they just vandalize and steal in hopes of intimidating clinic owners.

In the current political climate, you are either dumb or ballsy if you want to pursue this, at least in the I.E.

L.A. has moratoriums, so you would really have to do your homework to find a county and city or un-incorporated area where they were already politically set up to allow for it, and even then,
The FEDS!

Read the link in my sig, Ronnie did run the only clinic in Corona, now he is up shit creek and fighting for his life. He was only charged with the bare minimum, no money laundering, tax evasion, weapons, nothing like that. Just possession, distribution, running the clinic, (again the 3rd charge has to do with running the clinic and employing people that were breaking federal law as well by just working there.)
Even with 2.5 lbs, in the clinic you will be doing federal time, look up their sentencing schedule, it is pretty cut and dry. If you are running a clinic, I don't realistically see how having only 2.5 lbs would work. You would have to be open from noon to 5 or spending 19 hours a day meeting with vendors and getting medicine. Not to mention, I really am not sure how you would cover costs with only 2.5 lbs, seriously, you meet with 1-3 vendors everyday to re-up, you have to pay security, rent, ins, wages, taxes, attorney fees, accountants, payroll, and oh yeah, the 2.5 lbs of medicine every day or every other day. Not very practical:wtf:

Delivery services seem like an idea, except the DEA can easily figure out whom is operating these, request delivery, and you know the rest. Would they? Who the hell knows, maybe not, maybe. It's a big gamble, probably wont' work out in the end either way unless lots of things change. You should be content with privately growing your own and feeling reasonably secure in the fact that it is a fat chance in hell that anything will happen if you are following state laws, just don't sell it. Good luck.:cool:

Oh yeah and Ziggy is absolutely right about talking about even talking about it at all, this summer the feds used another un named weed tracking forum to "pinpoint" their targets, although there was alot more behind why they picked who they did. But that was one thing they did, they also had 2 agents get legit medical recs and go into the clinics, bait people into saying shit, buy medicine to use as evidence, and release doctored video to feed into their propaganda machine. Don't think for a second they don't visit this site!:thumbsup:

[8182KSKUSH]

:thumbsup:

[denial102]

whatever happened to the constitution :-(

I guess reefer madness is an exception to these fundamental bill of rights.. We need our MMJ man :-( and for those who don't it is unpleasant taking the other shitty pharmaceutical drugs! Least any side effects of weed are managable :-(

3 sad faces in one post, fucking DEA :(

[Jay Matix]

seems to me, a few of you guys are missing the point. the goal here should be providing safe access to medicine to patients, not making a quick buck!

*Just browsing through the thread*

Whats wrong with having a goal of making good money WHILE providing safe access to medicine to patients?

Im sure if he started this business hundreds maybe even thousands would be thanking him for delivering! Hell he might even save someones life!


Get money

[8182KSKUSH]

*Just browsing through the thread*

Whats wrong with having a goal of making good money WHILE providing safe access to medicine to patients?

Im sure if he started this business hundreds maybe even thousands would be thanking him for delivering! Hell he might even save someones life!


Get money

Everyone has mouths to feed. Everyone has a purpose in life too. Money isn't everything, but it sure helps.:cool: Anyone that would beg to differ please feel free to start giving away your money, I call "First Dibs!"!!;)

[lovey482003]

if your want to really do something , i suggest not a dispensary type of setting for the reason of the in your face to the Dea. The laws of Ca states of a card issue program for each county, even thou most don't get along with this. But hell, you have ss, dr lic, ect don't you? Ca has statewide medical marijuana identification card program that is honored in all counties of their state..thru your county health and safety department. But not all counties are with this , and they are fighing the laws that allows safe access .
a small coop is the way to go. especially if you have space to grow for some patients in your area. We have one in our area. Paitents whom grow together in unity saves time and energy on the big time scoring medicine and it depends upon what your doing, either inside or outside. The laws, if your have read them explains everything . What is allowed and what they won't allow. But our civil rights are invaded by the fact that the Federal won't accept this, to me is a contridiction to their own laws when they allow a federal stamp to some but not to all. you want to open a coop, go for it... not a dispensary for that will take you down , but a small coop, with a ca recomendation will also send you into prove that your a patent in the legal system. But if you have a card, it allows you to grow, per ther state of ca. even thou Prop 215 has been around, sb420 says it all. Your protected as long as you have that card and doing what is allowed holding that card. read the laws .... thats all i can say then you will know what is expected . i understand that many will disagree on the card program, but what the heck, it works. If they come to your door, they have been shown the card, you have the guidlines of product your allow to have per your dr recomendation, they must call the number on the card, once its checked they must leave. But do not let them into the house/. Let them check it first... it works. they must follow the laws of the state. But only grow what is allowed, no more.. reinbursment is also allowed pe sb420. like i said.. more coops need to open to care for our own safely. unity amoungst patient, not a dispensing retail outlet but only not for profit. So if i have to jump and get the card to safely grow i will. What is one more card? credit cards, social security cards, drivers licence, medical cards, they all have our information.. Cameras on every light, cell phones buged. Really, if they want us, they know where to find us....

[Opie Yutts]

If you're thinking of opening something because you think it would be neat to be able to legally have access to all the weed you want, then:

1) No matter how legal it is in your state it will still be illegal, and you will be prosecuted and/or persecuted.
2) You would achieve your goal more readily if you were to do like stinky, and be a caregiver (AKA weed grower), and work your way up to over 30 varieties.

[veggii]

Hey ppl so is anyone out there gonna answer the question?
the op asked HOW TO open a co- op etc in the state of california?
what are the steps?
?business liscence?
?seller's permit?
?attourny?
the op ask A simple question FOCUS plz:thumbsup:

[8182KSKUSH]

Hey ppl so is anyone out there gonna answer the question?
the op asked HOW TO open a co- op etc in the state of california?
what are the steps?
?business liscence?
?seller's permit?
?attourny?
the op ask A simple question FOCUS plz:thumbsup:

The question has been answered.
It is a catch 22, if you do everything "by the book" then you open yourself up to federal prosecution whenever the DEA wants to come get you.
You are better off staying underground, you are lots less likely to be prosecuted or persecuted, since the DEA is really lazy and just focused on low hanging fruit, and not people that are actual criminals in violation of their own state as well as federal laws. It's much easier to find someone who is openly operating in broad daylight publicly than it is a criminal that is staying off the radar.

You should probably read the entire thread.
And if it is a simple question as you put it, then why don't you fucking answer it for all of us after you learn how to spell or use a spell check at the very least.:wtf:

[veggii]

and the worst part of it all " I never learened to read!"

[8182KSKUSH]

Obviously.:jointsmile:

[ronielee49]

every one has their own thoughts about opening a clinic
If you have choosen this business to maintain a rich and opulant life style then please and I repeat once again please find a nice safe place to hide in,make sure you have some one you trust to hold enough money for your legal defense[you will need it]when they close your doors you lose every thing you have gained and a whole lot more,ask Don Duncan,after his club was robbed by the terrorest DEA and all assets frozen-yes frozen- his home was threatened with sizure for sales tax-which was in one account that was frozen and he had to arrange a payment plan with the state franchise tax board,in total his shop was robbed and over 500,000.00 dollers and all the meds,now call me stupid but gee I fail to see how this morps into getting rich from dispenserys,I know,I have been there-done that-and have pictures,there is a whole lot of finger pointing and would of should of and could ofs going on here,walk a mile in the shoes of the freedom fighters that dare to open even with all the risks involved,if you think its for the money or the so called glory then think again,most of us that choose to do this do it for our own reasons-mine was to insure the best meds for a loved one and that was evolved into a lifes work,now I hope every one feels good with the meds that they have,and thank those dumb guys that went so far as to thumb their noses at the man-all it takes for evil men to run amok is for good men[and women ] to do nothing,join ASA,or NORML or any other org. that are fighting for your right to have good MMJ,if every one spent as much time fighting for their rights as they do fighting each other this would not even be a topic.
take a moment today to talk to one person,just one,anyone, about this wonderful herb that has such power,look at the money spent to keep it illegal,if we all spent one doller,yes just one doller on helping the fight then we would win this battle in a few months,money runs this world and ASA,NORML and all other orgs need you,join the fight,don't stay on the side lines,we need you and believe me you surley need us.
Stay safe and bless all the patients that rely on MMJ,you are why we fight this battle-not the money,not the time in jail not the fun in having our lifes ripped apart,patients are the only reason.

[veggii]

Hi all
I did a bit o researchin
step
1. get your state id card(med)
2. hire business attourny to tell you all the liscence's and permit's you need in your area.

thats as far as i got anyone else?:rastasmoke:

[DrGreen]

Store front or delivery service, get a business license first. You are selling a Herb...in a Health Store enviornment, end of story...

But before you get that BL, sit down with a city or county elected official..ask what the feelings are about the community being served......do local LEO allow it? Has the city/county banned it?

You want to go against city and local officials, they will and do call in the DEA...but with the budget cuts now days, the DEA is not doing much with the medical marijuana states.

Federal Funds for CAMP, the program every fall, across the nation to go into parks and pull the plants..well, its been cut financially, from $560B to $170B...now that is sending message to the DEA...

Do a delivery service first and get your feet wet. Businesses are always chartible but they are NOT charity.........and therein lies the big difference.....Poor people cannot help poor people, rich people can...learn that simple principal for your business operation.
:thumbsup:

[8182KSKUSH]

But before you get that BL, sit down with a city or county elected official..ask what the feelings are about the community being served......do local LEO allow it? Has the city/county banned it?

You want to go against city and local officials, they will and do call in the DEA...:thumbsup:

This is the most important thing, it cannot be stressed enough.:thumbsup:

[Psycho4Bud]

Like they say, "Nothing beats a higher education".:thumbsup:
http://boards.cannabis.com/medical-marijuana-news/150527-oaksterdam-u-gives-new-meaning-higher-education.html

Have a good one!:jointsmile:

[veggii]

ok since nobody here wanted to answer the question
i started to research and ask questions so i got as i said before
1. get recomendation
2.get state MMJ id card
3.get a business laywer ,i called one they want $4000
to setup a non-profit co-op (i guess only legal way to open)
not sure, so i called the city business liscence center and they
told me they would not issue me a liscence and transferred
my call to the city attourny's office where they asked for my full name and told me that being a non-profit does'nt make over $1000
so it does'nt need a liscence. so i'm stuck i really wish someone would just answer this question! i know have undercover cops watching my house:mad: so i will continue my quest for the correct way to open a MMJ coop and then tell all of you how!
i will not be opening one as law enforcement in my city will have me arrested immediatly i will not be medicating with it anymore as i know they will arrest me and i am way to sick to goto jail without all my other medications, life sucks!

[norkali]

What city are you in!?

[Psycho4Bud]

ok since nobody here wanted to answer the question

Did you read the link I provided? That school is designed just for this purpose. I'm sure that these people have done the research to make sure things are done right.

Have a good one!:jointsmile:

[veggii]

What city are you in!?

norkali i reside in redding,ca to get a idea of the MMJ climate here read this: denny vs DEA Fred Gardner: Will Snoops Get Stopped? (http://www.counterpunch.org/gardner09082007.html)

psycho4bud i missed the link,but have gone back and looked at it
sounds like they are focusing on things todo with it not the lagal aspects of opening a MMJ place i will look into it more i found thier main link
Oaksterdam University (http://www.oaksterdamuniversity.com/index.html)

there is also a group in southern california offering caregiver classes: http://.org/caregiver_training.lasso

i will continue my quest for the info on opening is it you just need to start a non-profit and that does'nt require a business liscence??

if you know how but don't want to say here hit me up on msn

[texas grass]

cannabis should be grown because you love the process of growing it. or because you want to help other people

its not good thinking of ripping people off for such high prices for a beautiful plant. if you want to start a business and profit do it on something else other than cannabis. thats what gives cannabis a bad name

[veggii]

psycho4bud hey i checked them out and they have classes
teaching the legal aspects thx you rock!!:thumbsup:

texasgrass hey is it legal in texas ?? i thought it was'nt
and i also thought like you and many others that people were price gouging and prices were just crazy high but i looked into opening up a store and i found out why prices are so high
don't expect price's dropping anytime soon caregivers/growers
want too much for thier product then you got all the bills to run a business, then the fed can come #@$ you at anytime! so nobady is gonna risk 40yrs for pennies!:cool:

[tasermebro]

Go for it man!! we live in a capitalist society! you best believe all of the hydroponic stores are getting their money's worth.Hell it's a risk to run mmj service.You should have something to fall back on.

[greenatik]

You should have something to fall back on.

Probably the best advice. You know that either two things are going to happen - 1 that your going to get raided and probably lose everything or mostly everything - or 2 - that you dont get raided and the elections change something for the better...

2 is not likely, and personally i think that you wont get arrested just shut down and everything taken

maybe with the cuts more dispensaries is a good thing - overgrow the government

Its up to you, but GL with the business, and keep it 100% legal

[Opie Yutts]

keep it 100% legal

That's impossible since it's still illegal according to the Feds. There will always be problems until that goes away.

[greenatik]

yes, i meant 100% legal according to state

[btownbuddah]

Are you serious, how can people afford NOT to grow out there. What do pounds go for 7k? $75/ eighth thats coke prices.:jointsmile:

[painretreat]

no what; I THINK IF THAT GUY HAS ALREADY BEEN IN JAIL IT WOULD BE ONE STRIKE AND HE IS RISKING AS SECOND FOR "GETTING RICH" GOING TO JAIL FOR A SHORT TERM--THEN WHAT! STRIKE #3 FOR A DWI OR WHAT? The only Co-op's I've seen that work are by the workers themselves; they produce and share! Heck, it is just a weed we are talking about! A weed, some of us need! Our current President has a history of drugs and hasn't done anything about medical values, in fact, made things worse for legal medication. Even that is outrageous now! Better to grow something if you aren't a chemist! In Eureka, they do have food Co-op's and they are reasonable to the members. IT SEEMS A CO-OP WOULD BE A MEMBER ONLY ORGANIZATION! Just a thot!:thumbsup:

[mymeds215]

Wow, so glad Im up near Northern California....Couldn't afford to smoke down south...wow $70-90 a 1/4 retail here...top end gdp,royal purp, sour d, and kush.

[loganz77]

I have looked into opening a co-op just recently. There is a moratorium on opening one that was just extended until next May. What you have to do is buy somebody elses license which starts at $50,000 (so much for capitalism)

The DEA has no interest whatsoever in busting the co-op owners, in fact they usually do nothing but trash the place and intimidate. I know a few that have been busted and they don't even take their product or cash most of the time. They are looking for untaxed cash and guns for the most part. I don't know any dispensary owners that have been prosecuted so far. The Venice dispensary operates across from the Venice Police Dept on the boardwalk. It's brilliant...
Jerry Brown is trying to pass legislation that all dispensaries operate as a non profit organization which means you would need a 501C I believe it's called to operate a co-op. Good luck man...:pimp:

[flyingimam]

texasgrass hey is it legal in texas ?? i thought it was'nt


this probably is the best thing about mmj in texas, YET!
Texas Patient Wins Landmark Acquittal in Medical Marijuana Case : NewsLI.com - Long Island News, News Long Island (http://www.newsli.com/2008/03/27/texas-patient-wins-landmark-acquittal-in-medical-marijuana-case/)
such a shame, we are far far behind on mmj and i think tx will mot likely be the last of states to approve such measures!

EDIT: police got more to say than legislature around here:(
Texas (http://www.mpp.org/states/texas/)

[Punabud]

I want to open up a deliveyr service. Not your typical just like everybody else delivery, but a super delivery co-op. I know most store fronts get nailed, but I read that the DEA is slowing down the raids and also if you are doing deliveyr only that the dea ignores you.

Also, lets say I get a year or two out of it, SCREW IT! It'll be worth it and it'll be fun!

another words you're in it only for the money? Because if that is your intention, then you're not helping the medical marijuana community at all! You just become one more burden instead of a plus, and one more nail in the coffin for decriminalization of cannabis!

[permastone]

I want to open a medical dispencerary also. Where do you live at? I have product and knowledge to grow and supply a shop. Let me know where you want to start.

[8182KSKUSH]

I want to open a medical dispencerary also. Where do you live at? I have product and knowledge to grow and supply a shop. Let me know where you want to start.

I don't think this is the place to be looking for the "hookup" to start this kind of business venture. who exactly are you addressing your post to? if you hadn't noticed the other posts within this realm are now gone.

[Ziggy Stardust]

what you dudes have to remember is how far the st of calif has come in relation to MJ and take what were given and run w it.

everyone who runs a store front knows and readies themselves to fight a legal war someday because we all know that WHO the FEDS want - are those who have made the real bread and those who are shooting off their mouths in the media (not to mention those assholes who are so fuckin greedy they cant stay within the paramaters of the current law). because of that i believe that those who have made the real bread and abided by the law deserve the big profits their getting from their sales.

lots of you dudes are talking about how to go about setting up co ops and stores BUT i dont see anyone doing any legal research to see WHAT the govt wants.....like they arnt saying you cant make any money they are just wanting you to do it in a certain way and basically from what i see and in my opinion they want to see the money SPRED around as far as possible - ive been reading a lot of your posts in this thread and the others and i dont see an reference to the AG (atty general) guidlines published last Aug/Sept....

watcha homies..... http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/downloads/AG_Guidelines.pdf

remember KNOWLEDGE is POWER

what u see below is being cultivated by a collective who "donates for adequate compensation" their surplus to a local co-op to cover thier expenses pursuant to calif law. the members of the collective are all card carrying MM patients

[iamapatient]

Dude? Why is it wrong to get rich? It's supply & demand. People in the IE demand a good co-op and I may be to supply them. What's wrong with making a profit off what I'm selling?

Sorry, I don't love weed that much to devote my time & money and risk prison without getting paid.

I'm compassionate and I care about people but I'm not going to risk my life to help others without a benefit for me. Heck, a Fireman who puts his life on the line would't be doing it without the pension. A Doctor who cares about people wouldn't be so caring without the money.

Didn't know I'd be ruining it for everyone if I tried to open a Co-Op and make a few bucks off of it.

You're not allowed to grow "for profit" in California. People do it but it's not legal under MMJ laws. If you don't care about the law then don't call it a co-op nor try to hide behind MMJ laws.

Good luck...

[naturesmeds]

Where's the truth & love in the responses?! :hippy:
(or, is this simply about money?)

If you're serious, my username is the same at yahoo.
(optimists should watch the domain for future developments)

ALL cannabis smoking is medicinal. (even when experimental)
Prove that you deserve it, help us to preserve it, or being free will just be, once & nothing more. :rastasmoke: