Would you go to a reality-dispensary?

[TheReleafCenter]

No, I'm not trying to eff with your perception of what is real. A production company is contacting a lot of dispensaries in town about the possibility of filming a docu-reality series. It's not on the level of Survivor, but it's not For the Love of Ray J, or whatever that show is, either.

Would you stop going to a dispensary if they had cameras rolling? What if you were blurred out? Or would you want to tell your story?

[Tharagor]

Get the word out. i would have no problem coming to your shop w/ cameras.

HACK THE PLANET!! ... (wait wrong movie) :D

[Vancefish]

I'd say as long as the cameras were not linked directly to LEO's shop. I'd be fine with it.

Question however comes down to what is the overall goal of this film group? Are they attempting to show how patients arn't any different then other people, or trying to show patients are a bunch of druggy kids? When filming shows, production companies could show either side depending on what THEY want people to see. :wtf: Regardless of what the facts may be.

To me that part could be questionable and hard to determine until the show aired.

Like the Simpsons episode where Homer is "interviewed" on TV and they cut it to make him look like a crazed lunatic.

[redtails]

I've been in one for another hobby of mine, and it's a great opportunity to be able to show others what you're about and just think: you can show it to your grandkids and say, "Your granpa/grandma was active in the fight to legalise/decriminalise/reschedule/etc marijuana".

Depending on how their plan of attack in putting it together is, I'd give it a real consideration if it were my dispensary.

Is it going to be the same location each time or will they be like spending a week at each one in the area so people can get a feel for the scene up there?

[Phunnyman]

I worked for years in the entertainment industry, and trust NO ONE in that business regardless of what they say or do. The ability to edit and make you look so bad is incredible and if it makes them money, they'll do just that.

So if it were me, I wouldn't give them the time of day much less let them into my place of business. And God help you if you get some scumbag celebrity or actor (which they ALL are) in there to "support" your cause or business. They're just dirt IMO.

[TheReleafCenter]

I think the problem is that while they claim to be pro-MMJ, they need some kind of conflict or else it's just bad TV. My understanding is that they want to do it more like Pawn Stars or Ace of Cakes, where it's more staff focused with occasional bits on patients.

I'm worried about which shop they finally film in, because that's going to be the perception that goes out about this entire industry.

[Phunnyman]

My understanding is that they want to do it more like Pawn Stars or Ace of Cakes, where it's more staff focused with occasional bits on patients.....

This exactly why you DON'T WANT these dirtbags in your place of business. Look at those so called "reality shows", the people they portray come across looking like flaming retards and they lose any respect they might have earned.

You worked so hard for so many years to achieve some kind of acceptance in the general community, to gain any legal standing, to be viewed upon as performing a vital service for the community, and you are now just starting to make headway; why would you lower yourself to the level of one these dumbass shows and ruin any credibility you might have earned?

Like it or not, the rest of the television addicted country is going to watch this and make their opinions based upon what is portrayed regardless of intent, these are the same people who also VOTE about issues like this subject.

You would risk that by disrespecting yourself so some hillbilly or soccer mom with a voters registration can make a decision about your income and business based upon what they saw on that show?

Ask yourself; Would a regular Dr.s office allow this kind of crap in their office? Would you go to a Dr's office if you knew this kind of trash TV was being filmed there?

If I were a patient of the dispensery that was portrayed, I would immediately find somewhere else to go for my meds and never give you the time of day ever again, regardless of price or otherwise.

LA, Interior, AM, Production meeting,: Okay guys I've got gold here...Imagine the cast of Jersey Shore but IN A POT SHOP!! And the people are all getting high and forgettin everyones names, and losing money, and all kinds of conflicts...hey I think Danny Bonaduce isn't doing anything, and Greg Brady is free, lets hire them to WORK there with the potheads who can't count money, and we can follow the people who buy their weed there and see what kind of crappy lives they have, and we'll just focus on the really fucked up ones and make shit up when we need to...its a ratings BONANZA!!!!!!!!

[DirtayeSanchez]

well said.

[TheReleafCenter]

That was my concern, as well. I think you'd agree that all reality shows don't fit that Jersey Shore model, though, and I actually have more respect for pawn shops after seeing how smart and well versed in history the owner of Pawn Stars is. I don't think all reality tv is filled with flaming retards, but there are certainly some... you're right.
It all depends on the staff, which is where my apprehension kicks in. I'm concerned that they'll go with a shop with some stoners who don't know anything about the struggle it has taken to get us to this point.
And I can tell you, based on previous projects they've done, that a show like the one you described would be a huge departure from what they've done in the past. Doesn't mean it isn't possible, though. I still don't know where I fall on this.

[ColoradoCareMMJ]

Unless you plan for you shop to be closed before this thing gets out to the public, I wouldnt touch it with a 20 foot pole.

There is good reason why they have been turned down by every dispensary in california AND colorado.

Just my .02 cents. Be safe. -B

[smokypants]

No way I'd appear on the show as a customer, but I'd watch. It would be an interesting proposition if I owned a dispensary with the goal of making money. If I could get independent assurance that I'd survive legally and had a telegenic staff, it could be a huge boon to business. Those are some big if's though, and I agree that trusting a reality show production company is a taking a significant risk. A lot would depend on who they are, and what work they've already done.

[TheReleafCenter]

Unless you plan for you shop to be closed before this thing gets out to the public, I wouldnt touch it with a 20 foot pole.

There is good reason why they have been turned down by every dispensary in california AND colorado.

Just my .02 cents. Be safe. -B

I immediately wondered the same thing, because they have offices in Cali. The spin they're putting on it is that Colorado is more uncharted territory, but in LA it's old hat. I know that they've been talking specifically to The Apothecary, and Wanda/Scott are no dummies. Wonder what they see in it?

[HighPopalorum]

I don't watch TV, but I think a show set in a dispensary would do more good than bad, even in a sensationalized form. I don't see how it would fail to entertain, either. I'm not worried about television creating a false impression of MMJ in Colorado - I give our citizens more credit than that.

[skrillaship]

If the only fee the dispensary demands is the ability to view each episode before it airs and have editorial pull, than it may have potential to be a really good thing as far as education of the public is concerned....depending on the dispensary obviously.

[canaguy27]

Dont do it!

This guy was on 9news today and got raided by the DEA in the same day!

9NEWS.com | Denver | Colorado's Online News Leader | DEA responds to home-grown pot (http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=132606)





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Medicinal Marijuana of Colorado Discussion Forums - Medicinal Marijuana News (http://medicinalmarijuanaofcolorado.com/)

[neversummer]

I immediately wondered the same thing, because they have offices in Cali. The spin they're putting on it is that Colorado is more uncharted territory, but in LA it's old hat. I know that they've been talking specifically to The Apothecary, and Wanda/Scott are no dummies. Wonder what they see in it?

Hmmmmm. I wonder? Could it be money, or fame?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

All they will get is handcuff's. The greedy people that flaunt the medicine are the ones that will go down first. Thats my opinion. Be smart, stay quiet, and dont try to make millions, and you will be good. Looks like the DEA is just getting warmed up in Colorado. There are still a lot of Americans who think marijuana should be illegal, or only used by cancer patients. We need to legalize it, and end this silly debate.

Maybe they just want to show the public that marijuana is a valid medicine, and is used by all kinds of Americans. I dont think it would be a very safe decision. If they are willing to risk it, then good for them. I think it could help the cause, if they show was done the right way. I do think it would bring some heat on their shop. After that guy from 9news just got busted, i wouldnt want to risk it.

[copobo]

if you go on TV, they are going to bring you down. questions?

[TheStrainMan]

NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please don't do this folks! Do not let those tv snakes in, they don't give a damn about you, they're only about ratings. What would a dispensary hope to gain from allowing hollywood a piece of your dream?

The Strain Man Home (http://www.thestrainman.com)

[lampost]

I immediately wondered the same thing, because they have offices in Cali. The spin they're putting on it is that Colorado is more uncharted territory, but in LA it's old hat. I know that they've been talking specifically to The Apothecary, and Wanda/Scott are no dummies. Wonder what they see in it?

Have these other dispensary owners told you that they're considering it?

Maybe the production company is just saying this to apply pressure and to get you to rush into an agreement? "someone else is considering it so you better act fast if you don't want to miss your opportunity for free exposure".

Don't even consider this! There was a good point above: go on TV, get busted! That seems to be the rule right now. Oh also, don't call the DEA on yourself!

[davo420]

Would you go to a reality-dispensary?

no

[smokypants]

The Apothecary has already been featured in a Westword restaurant review, which I recommend people read if they haven't already. Certainly, television would raise their profile, but the DEA would have to be in a coma to not already know about them and their activism/zeal for MMJ. They're a politically active couple according to Westword, with connections to the Obama and Polis campaigns. I don't know their motivations, but I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibility that they view the television show as a chance to push the envelope, and perhaps create a test case for politicos like Obama and Polis to influence. Given their connections, I doubt they need the advice of people here with no legal backgrounds. I suspect they're well-advised by legal experts and working from a plan.

That said, the DEA's move could be causing those plans to change. It's a fluid situation.

[neversummer]

The Apothecary has already been featured in a Westword restaurant review, which I recommend people read if they haven't already. Certainly, television would raise their profile, but the DEA would have to be in a coma to not already know about them and their activism/zeal for MMJ. They're a politically active couple according to Westword, with connections to the Obama and Polis campaigns. I don't know their motivations, but I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibility that they view the television show as a chance to push the envelope, and perhaps create a test case for politicos like Obama and Polis to influence. Given their connections, I doubt they need the advice of people here with no legal backgrounds. I suspect they're well-advised by legal experts and working from a plan.

That said, the DEA's move could be causing those plans to change. It's a fluid situation.

Jared Polis is crooked , money grubbing, liar, and so is Obama. I wouldnt take advice from any of those political cowards. I think staying out of jail is good advice, even from someone with no legal background. Although i have been to court like 20 times, so i do have some legal background.

[mugenbao]

As a patient/customer, I would have no problem going to a dispensary being filmed for a reality TV show. As a grower, though, I would never even entertain the idea of trying to sell to one, and would immediately leave any collective that became involved in that.

[TheReleafCenter]

The Apothecary has already been featured in a Westword restaurant review, which I recommend people read if they haven't already. Certainly, television would raise their profile, but the DEA would have to be in a coma to not already know about them and their activism/zeal for MMJ. They're a politically active couple according to Westword, with connections to the Obama and Polis campaigns. I don't know their motivations, but I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibility that they view the television show as a chance to push the envelope, and perhaps create a test case for politicos like Obama and Polis to influence. Given their connections, I doubt they need the advice of people here with no legal backgrounds. I suspect they're well-advised by legal experts and working from a plan.

That said, the DEA's move could be causing those plans to change. It's a fluid situation.

This seemed like a well thought out post. If the production company was offering a big fat retainer, what would they stand to lose? The DEA raid does change things, but how much? Sweetin backed off a lot of his tough talk, saying they don't have the resources to busting everyone who runs a dispensary and that it's a state issue. That seems fairly cut and dry to me, and that he might have heard from his superiors about his comments that were fairly out of line with the administration's (perceived) stance.

And NS, I couldn't help but laugh at the "although i have been to court like 20 times." Classic.

[lampost]

^Good luck.

I personally will never be back to your shop if you go this route. And say goodbye to several of your growers!

Of course you'll get some of the narcissistic douchebags (there's a lot of them) who seek out exposure on reality shows, so maybe your clientele will even out.

Yeah, the DEA knows about ALL of these dispensaries including the Apothecary! How couldn't they? They can pick up a Westword or get online. We all know they're actively doing busts on Craigslist! I'm sure they're on the blogs. It seems to be they only mess with you when you raise your profile considerably! Go on TV and see what happens! You know how many people watch the 6:00 news compared to how many read Westword!! When the whole town knows about it, its time to bring them down!

Any dispensary owner seriously considering this is a fool.

ReLeaf I question your motives if a little "compensation" from the production company makes it OK for you to be raided and shut down. What would happen to your patients who need their "medicine"?

[lampost]

And lastly, I don't see how this could help our cause.

In my 4 months of visiting dispensaries, I've seen maybe 2-3 visibly sick people in them. I've seen hundreds of young and healthy individuals in great spirits!

This'll just draw more negative attention.

[Denvertoad]

And lastly, I don't see how this could help our cause.

In my 4 months of visiting dispensaries, I've seen maybe 2-3 visibly sick people in them. I've seen hundreds of young and healthy individuals in great spirits!

This will just draw more negative attention.

BINGO!!! We have a winner. Right now the MMJ community is loosing the PR and public perception competition. Inviting an unfettered press, much less a "reality" show with an unknown agenda, into the mix is asking for trouble. We need all the positive spin we can get right now. Not MTV here looking for the next Puck.

[lampost]

Not MTV here looking for the next Puck.

Haha brother! I remember that punk camera-whore! That was about the last time I watched MTV... many moons ago!

[TheReleafCenter]

And lastly, I don't see how this could help our cause.

In my 4 months of visiting dispensaries, I've seen maybe 2-3 visibly sick people in them. I've seen hundreds of young and healthy individuals in great spirits!

This'll just draw more negative attention.

Straight up, this isn't something we're interested in. Warren told us we'd be videotaping a federal crime. Wanted to get some feedback and see what everyone thought, knowing that we were 99% against it. It's at least generated some discussion, so it wasn't for nothing.

The main reason we considered it for even a second was that we were more concerned some idiots with a shop on SoBro would get it and make the whole community look like lit up jokes.

And I see what you mean about visibly sick people coming in. Although I've definitely seen more than 2-3, and not everyone that needs mmj is visibly ill, it's a reality of what is going on right now.

[lampost]

Glad you guys aren't on board at all! You were starting to scare me.

[HighPopalorum]

I think it would be fun to watch. I understand why a CO disp wouldn't want to participate, though, given the recent case in Highlands Ranch. I wouldn't want to risk my business either. Maybe a more established CA shop will take them up on their offer.

[TheReleafCenter]

Glad you guys aren't on board at all! You were starting to scare me.

Haha, I'm a well known advocate of the devil. I've been anti since the start, but I told the guys I'd put it on here and get some feedback. Glad that some common sense prevailed.

And I'd watch a show if it comes out. You know... as "research".

[KindReviews]

I'd watch it on T.V. but I thinks that's about as close as I could get.

[Phunnyman]

Such a huge mistake to fall victim to the lies of tv whores. Honestly, to be involved in something such as this would be so costly on so many different levels. Pawn Stars, Jersey Shore or anything else, there is no way to come out looking good as a reality show. People expect trainwrecks today, not good television and its all in how they edit and portay you, and you don't have a say in that.

When major actors can't pull it off, do you really think that you, your vendors, your customers, etc.. have a chance without looking like a complete and utter moron?

These people sell ratings for marketing space on television. Whatever they can film that even begins to create any controversy is what they will sell. Hell, they would sell tickets to a gang rape of their mothers and help plan the production if it carried a ratings point that could be converted into dollars.

Don't become a victim and perpetuate the stereotype of inbred tv. You've fought so hard for what respect you have, don't throw it away.