Institute of Natural Alternatives

[rompin7]

Hello,
we are trying to set up a non profit to produce medical cannabis but we need boards members. Is anyone interested in serving on our board? You can contact me at [email protected].
Thank you

[coolslayer]

What are you offering patient board members to join you?

[greenworks]

What are you offering patient board members to join you?

I reverse your question coolslayer and pose this, what do YOU have to offer to be a board member? What valuable insight can you instill for the privilege of serving on a board and give back to the MMJ community. Being a part of this movement is something we should all be grateful for (and most are), not opportunistic.

This is the 6th time I have seen you dangle the "what's in it for me" carrot in front of would be producers, and frankly I find it somewhat offensive. You have not even changed the wording, at least be creative. Such statements reek in their transparency to self-serve.

I am rarely, and I mean RARELY, critical but this time I felt the need to speak out.

Rise up! Anybody can take, but to createâ?¦ now that takes commitment.

[coolslayer]

I reverse your question coolslayer and pose this, what do YOU have to offer to be a board member? What valuable insight can you instill for the privilege of serving on a board and give back to the MMJ community. Being a part of this movement is something we should all be grateful for (and most are), not opportunistic.

This is the 6th time I have seen you dangle the "what's in it for me" carrot in front of would be producers, and frankly I find it somewhat offensive. You have not even changed the wording, at least be creative. Such statements reek in their transparency to self-serve.

I am rarely, and I mean RARELY, critical but this time I felt the need to speak out.

Rise up! Anybody can take, but to createâ?¦ now that takes commitment.

It doesn't matter.....I'm not gonna be "low-billed" by these potential producers who offer nothing to patients to serve on their board(trust me,one has already tried this).
The LEAST that they can do is offer some complementary medicine or let the patient board member double as a quality control tester.
This program is about the PATIENTS.Anyone who thinks it's about the producer is mistaken.Without patients,the producers are out of business.

[pepurr]

Guys, Altruism is a noble thing indeed. So to is the quest for profit, as long as it doesn't trample on others rights.

The profit picture isn't much of an issue right now. The state is the only entity allowed to profit from MMJ right now. This is in evidence because of the standard that growers be non-profit, and the recent proposal of a 25% tax on MMJ.

I would think doing selfless acts in the interests of reform are needed. Also we need motivation to help grease the wheels of change. Being rewarded for performance does that very nicely.

[coolslayer]

That's reasonable.
Expecting something for nothing isn't.

:stoned:

[bedrockbob]

Guys, Altruism is a noble thing indeed. So to is the quest for profit, as long as it doesn't trample on others rights.

The profit picture isn't much of an issue right now. The state is the only entity allowed to profit from MMJ right now. This is in evidence because of the standard that growers be non-profit, and the recent proposal of a 25% tax on MMJ.

I would think doing selfless acts in the interests of reform are needed. Also we need motivation to help grease the wheels of change. Being rewarded for performance does that very nicely.


You sir are a witty and clear thinking individual. I enjoy your commentary very much.

[greenworks]

And without sick people there would be no need for medicine, hospitals or doctors. But there are, and we do. I will tell you one thing too, every time my chronic pain flares up the last thing I think about is how lucky the producers are.

Ahhhh, but we totally differ philosophically here, which is fine. I always avoid land wars in Asia anyway.

But I will address 2 points you made Pepurr to help you out.

The way the state has structured the use of â??non-profitâ?� is much different than your classic non-for-profit model. NM producers must incorporate as a NP but are not required to file as a 501(c) 3 with the federal government to gain tax-exempt status. The reason for this is 2-fold. The first, being the most obvious, is to keep the feds out of the picture. Even the state realizes the value in keeping a low profile.

The 2nd less obvious reason is MMJ NPâ??s are not raising money through donations. Salaries are not paid for by donations, relinquishing NM MMJ producers from adhering to the same rules. â??Non-profitâ?� in the classic sense is not having any profits on the books at the end of the fiscal year. A producer can project what they think the NP will net and base their salaries upon that figure. Year-end profits can either be donated or reinvested back into the business. No bonuses

As far as a 25% state sales tax being levied on MMJ, I suggest you read this article.

The Real Roundhouse: A firsthand look at the 2010 legislative session (http://alibi.com/index.php?scn=feature&di=&story=30878)

[greenworks]

You sir are a witty and clear thinking individual. I enjoy your commentary very much.

You had me at "you sir"

[pepurr]

And without sick people there would be no need for medicine, hospitals or doctors. But there are, and we do. I will tell you one thing too, every time my chronic pain flares up the last thing I think about is how lucky the producers are.

Ahhhh, but we totally differ philosophically here, which is fine. I always avoid land wars in Asia anyway.

But I will address 2 points you made Pepurr to help you out.

The way the state has structured the use of â??non-profitâ?� is much different than your classic non-for-profit model. NM producers must incorporate as a NP but are not required to file as a 501(c) 3 with the federal government to gain tax-exempt status. The reason for this is 2-fold. The first, being the most obvious, is to keep the feds out of the picture. Even the state realizes the value in keeping a low profile.

The 2nd less obvious reason is MMJ NPâ??s are not raising money through donations. Salaries are not paid for by donations, relinquishing NM MMJ producers from adhering to the same rules. â??Non-profitâ?� in the classic sense is not having any profits on the books at the end of the fiscal year. A producer can project what they think the NP will net and base their salaries upon that figure. Year-end profits can either be donated or reinvested back into the business. No bonuses

As far as a 25% state sales tax being levied on MMJ, I suggest you read this article.

The Real Roundhouse: A firsthand look at the 2010 legislative session (http://alibi.com/index.php?scn=feature&di=&story=30878)

I feel your pain greenworks. I wouldn't even be here if I didn't need support from a like minded crowd. I can testify to the pain relieving quality marijuana has on my chronic pain. It is truly unfortunate so many people suffer, and are deigned access to something that could bring them comfort.

I think access would be better facilitated by the commercialization of marijuana. I see the way California handles thing and see people getting the drugs they need, and at lower cost. Even though cannabis is taxed there it is still cheaper there. The way things are set up here, the supply is sporadic and costly.

I have no problem with taxing MMJ. I do have a problem with opportunistic money grubbers trying to milk MMJ like a cow. Sure the state government is hurting for money. Part of it is the lousy economy. Part of it is because of tax payer money being lost on a bad bet made by state government; KOB.com - NM tab for bad investments rises (http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1361567.shtml).

The government here in New Mexico is moving cautious and carefully in this experiment. For good reason too. The stigma around marijuana has been built up and strengthened for years. States rights -v- Federal authority. The list goes on. On the other hand we need to bring this out of the closet. Hell! I didn't even know MMJ was an option until I got ill.

Commercializing marijuana would be good for the state, the patients and the over all economy of New Mexico.

[personified]

â??Non-profitâ?� in the classic sense is not having any profits on the books at the end of the fiscal year.



Yes non-profits make profits all the time and no they do not have to disperse it all in salaries or other means in a year. It is that it is not distributed to investors. You must remember that a Non-Profit is a corporation.

To think that any business model spends all of it income/donations in a fiscal year would be foolish. Every business has to plan for cash for or should I say the lack there of.

Here is a better definition do not get caught up in the NON part of NON-Profit.

A non-profit is an organization that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals.


Just thought I should clarify as I see way to many people with this mis-understanding.

Now I must agree with Cool as I am still crunching numbers scenarios ect in this pursuit. One day I am yes the next I am like no. However to think I am doing this merely for my fellow man would be lying to you me and God himself.

Yes I believe in the cause and the fact that it helps people. However if there was no money in it I would not even contemplate it. Hence for me it is a salary and if I am getting something then a patient/member should get something as well.

However do not miss-understand me I am not offering the doctor I have as a requirement anything. He is merely doing it for the cause. Yet the margins are to small to offer to much to any one and the risk is all on me.

So I was thinking probably as Cool says some merchandise as a tester is fair. Realize that in a best case scenario in a sea of green with 95 plants your only producing a pound every two weeks. That may be a lack of experience projections and I hope for more but I do not think that is realistic to plan on. Remember shit happens like bugs, root rot, and other crop failures.

That is two pounds a month that does not leave a lot left over when you talk about paying electric, rent, a salary for all the work to produce, insurance, and yes sales tax on the product.

In my conversations with the state you still have to pay sales tax it is just not at 25% it is a what the city your in and the state charge. City tax varies from city to city while the state tax is constant.

This is a business and I can tell there are a lot of people who are not business people here with mis-conceptions about non-profit status and the taxes that will be paid. So I hope I have helped clear this up.

[Sandia]

WOW....I did not check the forum for a bit and WHAMMO!

Gentlemen, I would like to say that you have made some cogent arguments and I have been putting some serious thought into the discussion.

Before I "jump" right in before obtaining all the information possible, can someone point me to where the information regarding "board members" is? I have looked on the DOH site but for some reason I am missing this. (I am not the savviest internet searcher :()

The state is VERY new to the medical cannabis program. I am thankful that it has become legal within the state for patients to utilize MMJ to help alleviate symptoms from pain to nausea and things in-between.

I have a few thoughts:

1. With currently only five approved producers in the state and around 1400 approved patients, how can these five producers adequately disseminate the MMJ??? (a pseudo-rhetorical question after learning of some patient's trouble with obtaining their medicine).

2. I certainly hope that the individuals that are suffering from a multitude of conditions, petition the Medical Cannabis Program for the March 30th hearing. If conditions are not brought forth by patients (with the necessary medical information), new conditions will most likely remain "unapproved".

http://www.health.state.nm.us/IDB/medicalcannabis/MCP%20petition%20form%20-%20Winter%202010%20Final.pdf

NOTE: Petitions need to be submitted by March 9th in order to be heard.

3. I applaud individuals/groups that are trying to produce for patients.

4. As I mentioned earlier, I am not knowledgeable on just what producers (aside from personal production) for numerous patients need to begin establishing a some sort of method of growing/distributing to patients. With that being said, there are many individuals that would probably be very interested in helping this program gain some more ground so that it is a win-win situation for everyone. Pepurr did an eloquent job of illustrating this point earlier in the thread.

I, like a few others, have not been approved by the State yet. I have not submitted my application because I have numerous medical issues that are developing. I have no doubt in my mind that when I place my application that I will be approved (I qualify in two of the areas right now and was recommended by two of my doctors to pursue this soon). What I am confused/fearful/anxious/curious about is having an adequate supply to treat my conditions. If there are not enough producers, this situation will continue to be an issue until such time there are adequate resources to provide patients with MMJ.

I apologize for the long post but these are some of my thoughts/concerns bouncing around in my head at the moment.

[greenworks]

I feel your pain greenworks. I wouldn't even be here if I didn't need support from a like minded crowd. I can testify to the pain relieving quality marijuana has on my chronic pain. It is truly unfortunate so many people suffer, and are deigned access to something that could bring them comfort.

I think access would be better facilitated by the commercialization of marijuana. I see the way California handles thing and see people getting the drugs they need, and at lower cost. Even though cannabis is taxed there it is still cheaper there. The way things are set up here, the supply is sporadic and costly.

I have no problem with taxing MMJ. I do have a problem with opportunistic money grubbers trying to milk MMJ like a cow. Sure the state government is hurting for money. Part of it is the lousy economy. Part of it is because of tax payer money being lost on a bad bet made by state government; KOB.com - NM tab for bad investments rises (http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1361567.shtml).

The government here in New Mexico is moving cautious and carefully in this experiment. For good reason too. The stigma around marijuana has been built up and strengthened for years. States rights -v- Federal authority. The list goes on. On the other hand we need to bring this out of the closet. Hell! I didn't even know MMJ was an option until I got ill.

Commercializing marijuana would be good for the state, the patients and the over all economy of New Mexico.

Excellent points. Sadly it appears as though the state doesnâ??t have a realistic grasp on the current demand shortfalls. And they certainly seem to lack the background to understand how challenging it can be grow top grade MMJ. Itâ??s not as if newly approved producers can spin green yarn and offer it the next day. Note to self: learn how.

I hear nightmarish stories about 2 â?? 2 ½ month waiting lists to obtain medicine. Truly an outrage! Even though a sea change is occurring (and I am truly thankful for it!), the current morally bankrupt system still allows me to obtain synthetic heroine in one day, but obstructs my ability to get MMJ.

Strength in numbers. I think if enough people petition and write thoughtful, sincere letters it may help push progress. Put a face and a story behind the plight. Stay informed and attend all meetings. We are moving in the right direction, albeit at a glacial pace, but progress is being made.