BBFan said:
Well, the way I see it, the small growers (personal use) won't be any better off than they are now- because the government can't make enough money off it- tax on seeds? clones? seedlings? Not enough revenue. And this is a revenue issue.
And Hal- I would imagine that you would be up against some mighty big players and would need to be extremely well funded. A free market would naturally drive the price down, so only through volume would it be a profitable venture. As soon as the large producers realize they are losing market share to "boutique" or niche producers, and they will lose share, how long before they go after that business? Let's face it, if this were to pass, and that's still a big if, there are very few barriers to entry that would keep the big guys from crushing the smaller producers. And as you said- anyone can produce a strain.
And who's to say that importing won't be allowed? I didn't read the entire bill, just the bullet points, but I didn't see any mention of where the product necessarily has to come from.
I think the key to success would lie in branding.
I have owned a successful manufacturing company for over 20 years. As I told you in another thread- I would come work for you free of charge- let me know when you're ready. I can write a mean business plan.
And regarding the analogy to the tech boom, just remember how many dot com's have vanished.
Let's hope this at least gets things started!
Great points BB.
As far as the personal growers, you are correct, I havn't read anything that will place a tax on them. There might be something in the law that states that, but I havn't come across it yet.
But really, I think the personal grower is and allways will be the minority of pot smokers. Most folks go thru thier "dealer" or a Club if they are in a med state. So, if storefronts opened, I think the small grower would be less and less, as cheap availability becomes the norm.
You have me thinking of branding. I don't belive that "patents" will be issued for folks on specific strains, but maybe packaging will be. That would be a form of "branding".
I think the leaders of the game will be folks who consistenly have top quality. Folks that also work closly with thier local goverment in establishing a business within a City/County area. Basically, apeasing concerned city.county officials and addressing thier concerns.
Yes....politics.
As with any "manufacturing" business, you have to solidify your retailers. Get in good with them and make the offers they can't refuse. No, not like The Godfather! Just undercut the next guy. I am not greedy. If Company "A" offers it for 4000 a lb, I'll sell it for 3600.
In my experience, it's not how much u make off one item, it's the long term that makes u money. Sell it for less then everyone, but sell 5 times as much.
BB, If this does come to pass, I would LOVE your help in writing an officail plan. I have only owned one business before, and it was a Skate/Snowboard shop for about 10 years. I did this while I worked for a manufacturing plant. I did Project Management for P&G for 14 years, before they moved my plant to mexico. Actually the best thing that happened to me.
So thanks for your offer and input!
Go get em Umbra! If you don't others will. I have a close friend that lives in NJ. I plan on seeing him this summer.
I know this is all talk, but I think we are all aware that things are changing. Obama has held up his end so far with calling off the Feds in MMJ states. I believe this bill has a great chance also.