Caregivers in Michigan are limited to 12 plants per patient and only allowed 5 patients - total 72 plants. They've created marketing co-ops, i.e.; they pool their patients. This gives patients assess to a greater variety of available produce and expands a caregiver's limited market.

MI caregivers are using this co-op model and stretching it into a new type of dispensary business model. CO and CA caregivers came to dispensaries from a different model, one unrestricted by a patient cap.

While "joining together" to grow is no longer allowed in CO, the law does not address caregivers joining together to market. Using the traditional agricultural co-op model, were each farmer grows their own produce and the co-op assists in marketing, CO caregivers could benefit, as could their patients.

Ag co-ops are a hugely important business model here in CO. By coming together under the co-op model it also gives small farmers a much greater voice in political matters, which they press hard.

It would be difficult for legislators to deny mmj caregivers access to this same business model.

I've assisted a few Ag co-ops. I could see that model working well for the type of org copobo suggests is needed.
michaelnights Reviewed by michaelnights on . we need patients + caregivers advocacy there needs to be a political action group with just the patients and small caregivers interests in mind. it doesn't seem like anyone is doing that. it's the businesses that are represented... cuz that's where the $$ is. Rating: 5