[*~KultuRe~*]

Let me begin by saying that no one appreciates free stuff more than me. I am a patient with absoluetly zero funds, no job, and no source of income. However, I need to voice my complaint about what I believe are absolute scams and are bringing negative publicity to the MMJ movement.

Many of you are aware that when you walk into a collective, you more often than not obtain a free gift. In fact, I'm sure there are plenty of patients on this forum who have gone "clubbing", going from collective to collective, looking to obtain "freebies" such as a "free gram" for first time patients. This is complete, solid proof that MMJ has been hijacked by profit-seeking business men in disguise as "caregivers". As much as I may receive negative reputation for this, things such as "Free Grams" and Spinning the "Wheel of Weed" are nothing more than Business tactics targerted towards patients (or should I say customers?) to bring us in. Many places require a "minimum donation" for such products. This is extremely corrupt in my opinion - not only is this a clear business model, but what about the patients who are truly sick and have no funds?

A few days ago, I watched a Kidney dialysis patient walk into a collective. She was clearly quite sick, and I helped her medicate in the lounge by cleaning the bongs, packing her bowl, etc. I was amazed to find out that, while she is clearly sick, she had to go with low-end medication because "My wallet is deciding how I feel tonight" I was amazed that the collective did not just spot her the $10 to get the medication she NEEDED, and instead, they spend money and flowers on stupid crap such as free patient gifts, raffles, and the flat screen TV's they have in there.

This is called Norm of reciprocity. My college Psychology 3 textbook defines it as "....the reciprocity norm is meant to promote fair exchanges in social interactions. However, when people manipulate the reciprocity rule, they ususally give something of minimal value in the hopes of getting far more in return" This is exactly what is happening with collectives. They hope to lure you in with something that cost them nothing, and in return you must donate a "minimum" to require this "free" gift. This is called MISUSE of reciprocity norm.

Things such as the "Wheel of Weed", and Raffles are completely putting this movement to shame. We as patients are not only being treated as customers, but tricked into thinking we're being treated "compassionately" due to them allowing us to spin their freaking wheel, which determines what I win. Raffles and Wheels are all great fun, but seriously, how dare we allow collectives to give medication that we're donating for to some punk who may not even need it? They should be conserving that medication for patients who come in with only $5 dollars in their pocket, that they picked up in the cracks of their closet. For patients who REALLY need it, not someone who got picked by pure chance.

Another thing, and while this is somewhat off-topic it does apply. While I was at the protest this past thursday, I was handed a card that I just now looked at. You're all familiar with this insurance fraud, claiming that MMJ is covered by insurance?? I was handed a card with no phone number or information, telling me that I could get Money back for my Marijuana, and that "There IS a nominal charge to process the insurance claim and may be added to the claim." Seriously??? AT A PROTEST??

Folks, I'm going to sum up my rant by saying this: That I believe our rights and future are in OUR hands. The collectives are ruining this for us - not all, I realize there are many compassionate dispensaries - but being realistic, when I walk down the street and I see a flyer on the ground that says "FREE GRAM FOR ALL NEW PATIENTS!" or "SPIN OUR WHEEL OF WEED" I can see how people are beginning to realize that this is a scam. We all need to stand up to collectives and tell them to stop treating us like customers and more like patients. Our rights are being threatened because we have let collectives get OUT OF CONTROL. This is all in our hands, and we aren't doing all we should be doing to safely regulate and distribute MMJ to qualified patients. It is quite clear that dispensaries don't care as much about their patients as they should, because out of the 800 dispensaries in LA County, only 3 or 4 showed up to the protest.

Please, think about where you shop.
That is all ~ Much love Trackers.

[cephas]

You are 100% right.

The solution is simple, IMO. Do not patronize any Co-Op/collective/dispensary, that offers freebies.

Personally I go one step further and only go to the Co-Op's that attend and support protests.

If we all did that I guarantee more of them would.

[palapool]

Your right, and whats with co-ops giving away "edibles" that have just enough whatever to taste like a medible, but not enough to actually do anything? Bunk Brownies....

[VooDoo Chile]

I'm totally with y'all! I know of 4 places who attend protests and they're the only one who are gonna get my dimes from now on! For sure.

Great post, Kulture!

[BrattonBasher]

You folks need to remember that there has been dozens of protests over the years, and I would venture to say some co-ops are sick of the ridiculous turnouts. I can name several co-ops who attended many protests but were not present at the last two. I am no freebie fan, but I am not willing to vilify a co-op for offering them.

[DankJews]

I Love Freebies, Its An Appreciated Benefit To A Valued Patient! Makes You As A Patient Feel Better As You Received An Item W/ No Donation Necessities. Brings You Back To That Place! Great Post Thanks!

.:Stay Medicated:.