The High Price of Getting Into the High Business

The green race is on, and across the nation, states are setting a variety of rules and regulations. Legalization of marijuana is a great thing for the country in so many ways, but the underlying rules that it brings can start to cause problems; if people are not proactive towards the governance of their state cannabis market.

Early on, the United States medical marijuana programs were geared towards patients helping patients. These systems were fought for and implemented by sick people taking control of their health and helping those around them do the same.

As medical cannabis freedoms were won, in places like California and Washington two decades ago, they were by and for the "little guy." But, we now have accepted the use of cannabis all over the country, and this is bringing regulations and fee's, set up by lawmakers.

The power is in controlling the licensing system

A cautionary tale is told, when we find we are regulating the individual from the equation in place of the corporation. Whether it is through high license fee's or overreaching mandates on property and liquidity, it is easy to lose the small business owner in the shuffle.

Whether you live in a newly legalized state or somewhere that has been cannabis friendly for years, it is important to pay attention to your lawmakers. At both a state and local level, each citizen has a voice to help guide your community to the inclusion of all sectors of cannabis involvement.

No room for the little guy in Arkansas

Recently in Arkansas, the state's Medical Marijuana Commission has mandated a $100,000 license fee for medical cannabis growers. This cost is after you have paid the $15,000 application fee. Fifty percent of that fee is refunded, if you are not accepted, the rest goes to the state.

If this financial obstacle in the way of small business, was not bad enough; Arkansas also will now require that applicants show they have at least $500,000 in cash as well as proof of $1 million in assets.

Those significantly high entry fees make this industry unobtainable for many people. The Arkansas MMJ Commission sights these inflated prices as their way of ensuring success for the program. Sighting fears that the system will need money to support itself for an unknown amount of time.

The reality of setup and operation costs

History shows that these systems do not need these high entry fees to be successful. These state regulations widen the gap between the regular medical patient who will grow for a few sick people in the community and makes it impossible for small businesses to pop up.

The days of planting some seeds and growing some organic medicine in your garden to help the sick neighbor could be at risk. The system is still in the growth process in many ways, in many states, in the country, your duty to the plant to keep the regulations from killing progress.

How Can You Help?
Now, more than ever, your voice is important at a local level. What was once lending your voice to advocate the use of cannabis at a state or national level becomes a civic duty. Show up at any and all local as well as state level meetings and speak.

You are generally afforded 3-5mins to speak on the subjects put forth for public discussion. Use this time to explain why cannabis application fees should be accessible to all. If you are speaking to an open forum, spend some time on how your life and passion are a part of this industry. Always reminding the audience that this system was built by the "small businessman," and should be available to all citizens who qualify.

As you vote laws into your areas of zoning, licensing, and other regulations, speak to anyone you can. It is not uncommon to call you local Representative's office and ask their stance on any number of cannabis issues. They should be more than willing to speak to you in regards to this matter if not, they should be voted out.

The public is still very fear based with our ability to admit or stand up and speak positively about cannabis, that we are losing rights. The old secrecy needs to stay safe are hindering our ability to speak freely and honestly about pot.

Cannabis is now a real conversation the USA is having. If you are passionate about your rights to use this plant recreationally or medically, speak up.

You should-
Write emails to your senators and representatives, both on a state and federal level. Many proposed laws or changes to any system, will also include an open comment period when lawmakers take public considerations on upcoming votes.

These emails (or snail mail) address are easy to find in your area. The people that read them work for you and should be able to speak to any subject you pose them. Keep notes, don't give up and hold lawmakers to their word.

Call and speak to local, state and federal lawmakers. Always be nice, even when you do not agree with what you are hearing, but hold to your truths. Ask lawmakers to consider the small business when regulating this industry. Many local lawmakers are also small business owners, appeal to that.

Show up at city council meetings. You can request a schedule of what will be covered at each city council meeting. When issues come up regarding cannabis, show up. Take your friends and go in numbers, not everyone will get to speak, but the sight of many people often persuade lawmakers.

The same with State Legislative sessions. These are periods of time when the state discusses and votes on new laws, regulations and open discussions. There are times for public comment during each day, before voting by lawmakers. Again, show up in numbers, and you will be heard by voice and sight.

No matter what you do, understand you have a responsibility beyond just voting "yes" to legalize this plant. This system is new, and there is much confusion for lawmakers as they are being told things that are not true by people who have high stakes big industry money involved.

There is room for all, but the greed scramble will go in the direction of big business, shutting out the little guy, unless we all speak up. Now that it is legal and more accepted keep the control in the hands of the people who need it most.

If you are in or interested in being in the cannabis industry, you have a voice that can help shape the industry. Use it; in every way possible.