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Introduction<\/span><\/p>\n I am sharing this information with the mom and pop entrepreneurs of Florida because I want a level playing field for hard working Americans who may not have the thousands of dollars required for lobbyists, researchers, and lawyers, yet they toil day in and day out to provide for their families, and reach for the American dream. If you are thinking of opening a dispensary, have an opening, but don\u2019t know where to start I can help you. I want to see Florida\u2019s medical marijuana market thrive, responsibly, safely, ethically, and for the young, old, black, Asian, Hispanic, all cultures and ages to have a chance at that American dream. <\/span><\/p>\n I hope you find this information useful, or at the vary least informative. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n A dispensary in Florida would be less capital intensive with regard to the equipment, land, and monthly reoccurring expenses, which accompany owning and operating a cultivation center. Controlling the entire vertical from seed-to-sale means you can control quality, but it also means you are the master of all without the time and money to specialize in a particular niche area of the market. Going toe-to-toe with the Colorado based Mjardin Cultivation companies, and other California, Colorado, and east coast firms is a losing battle. <\/span><\/p>\n I suspect we will see the numerous hydroponic, and outside greenhouse cultivation nurseries quickly convert over to cannabis when granted permission from the Department of Health Compassionate Use Program. Many of these nurseries have already aligned with licensed growers. They are merely waiting on Amendment Two to pass, and an expanded patient base. Then it will be cost effective to expand, and become visible to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n There is an effort both among law makers, and the public to decouple the market. If this were to happen then licenses would be issued for dispensaries outside of the current vertical market. This would be a positive as competition brings about innovation, new products, quality education programs, and wellness programs. Mom and pop owned dispensaries would place a heavy focus on quality, education, self-monitoring and testing. Mom and pop dispensaries know they cannot be the WalMart of Florida cannabis medical sales.<\/span><\/p>\n How does a mom and pop dispensary succeed among the big boys? A possible strategy would include providing a communal experience, emphasizing product quality, and creating relationships with patients. Provide a \u201cJudgement Free\u201d zone with each patient consultation.\u00a0 <\/span>There will be those who know what they want, and desire a quick immediate purchase and exit, so plan for both sets of groups…those that are educated and those requiring consultation. <\/span><\/p>\n Make it your mission to raise awareness of the various cannabinoids, terpenes and flavinoids. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n Mom and Pop Dispensary Design<\/span><\/p>\n Research shows that most patients are looking for a particular experience, and environment that combines safety first, customer service, professionalism, and an atmosphere where a customer can relax, unwind, and enjoy the buying experience.<\/span><\/p>\n The Farm – Dispensary in Colorado<\/span><\/p>\n The dispensary design should include long term goals to include a comprehensive space plan illustrating layout of furniture, lighting, flooring, and code requirements (American Disability Act). A mom and pop dispensary could utilize local artwork to create an inviting atmosphere with the following goals in mind. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Security<\/span><\/p>\n Security will be a concern with your dispensary operation. The following is a quick analysis, not to be considered all inclusive, of the possible costs associated with dispensary security. The owner could always add more or less depending upon ordinances and security recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n System Description: Example<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Investment Summary: Installation: $7,736.00<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/span>Monthly Monitoring Fee: $115.00\/Month\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Customer Groups – Boomers and\u00a0 <\/span>Millennials <\/span><\/p>\n Boomers (ages 50 \u2013 64) and Millennials (18 \u2013 34) are the two major generational groups, which are targeted for customer membership. Generation X is focused on their immediate life (family, work, close friends), while Boomers and Millennials tend to have a greater concern for society as a whole. Boomers and Millennials have a synonymous desire for growth and improvement. This translates over to wellness and healthy living with a deep concern for community and society as a whole. Boomers and Millennials both love buying products, which align with their ethics and personal values. In a 2010 Cone Clause Evolution Study 85% were willing to switch brands, assuming price and quality were equal, if the second brand supported a good cause. <\/span><\/p>\n The dispensary design should include long term goals to include a comprehensive space plan illustrating layout of furniture, lighting, flooring, and code requirements (American Disability Act). A mom and pop dispensary could utilize local artwork to create an inviting atmosphere with the following goals in mind. \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Security<\/span><\/p>\n Security will be a concern with your dispensary operation. The following is a quick analysis, not to be considered all inclusive, of the possible costs associated with dispensary security. The owner could always add more or less depending upon ordinances and security recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n System Description: Example<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Investment Summary: Installation: $7,736.00<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/span>Monthly Monitoring Fee: $115.00\/Month\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Customer Groups – Boomers and\u00a0 <\/span>Millennials <\/span><\/p>\n Boomers (ages 50 \u2013 64) and Millennials (18 \u2013 34) are the two major generational groups, which are targeted for customer membership. Generation X is focused on their immediate life (family, work, close friends), while Boomers and Millennials tend to have a greater concern for society as a whole. Boomers and Millennials have a synonymous desire for growth and improvement. This translates over to wellness and healthy living with a deep concern for community and society as a whole. Boomers and Millennials both love buying products, which align with their ethics and personal values. In a 2010 Cone Clause Evolution Study 85% were willing to switch brands, assuming price and quality were equal, if the second brand supported a good cause. <\/span><\/p>\n Boomers and Millennials – Comparisons<\/span><\/p>\n It will be very important for mom and pop businesses to distinguish value between the two groups. Millennials make purchases, which they feel will enhance and solidify their identity. They have a strong need to be cool, and to fit in with their peer groups, using brands as a way to construct self-identity more than any generation before them as a group. Millennials will seek out a unique, high energy environment that creates a fun experience.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Boomers prefer making purchases based upon whether it will make their lives easier, and if it is useful and relevant to them. Boomers put an emphasis on customer service, organization, and ease while they shop.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n What unites the two groups is an emphasis on high quality products, genuine care, and compassion for both customers and society in general. Millennials are more likely to show loyalty if your business can provide a fun, fast-paced environment, where they can make a connection and feel heard. Boomers are more likely to return to your location if your staff is knowledgeable, and focuses on providing excellent customer service. <\/span><\/p>\n Florida\u00a0 <\/span>Licenses, Permits, and Registration <\/span><\/p>\n Starting a dispensary in Florida will mean paperwork. Lots and lots of paperwork.\u00a0 <\/span>I put together a list of licenses, permits, and registrations, which may, probably will, be required in the state of Florida when opening a dispensary location. <\/span><\/p>\n Summary<\/span><\/p>\n I hope you found this information interesting, informing, and possibly helpful in any future operation that involves a Florida dispensary. There are lots of models out there to pull from, but hey…this was free. Peace.<\/span><\/p>\n Florida Cannabis Consultant, Writer, and Patient Advocate <\/span>– Bill Monroe<\/span><\/p>\n![\"14993351_543963029133036_2447266697743789295_n\"](\"http:\/\/cannachronicle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/14993351_543963029133036_2447266697743789295_n.jpg\")
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