I don't want to start an argument over whats right or wrong, and I was under the opinion that caregivers rape their patients (and some really DO) as well, but then I ran the numbers. I don't care who you are, only Mother Teresa is altruistic enough to work for people for free
My actual costs for a 7 pound grow from seed (Elec, nutes, etc. excluding labor & equipment) is around $1200. If I grow out clones, it drops to half that. HOWEVER, who works for free? ESPECIALLY when it's your livelihood? Who wants to live in a bare subsistence scenario? When you factor in my labor for a 4 month period (from seed grow) at 6 hrs a day, the cost for me to produce 7 lb is right at $29,000, and just under $15,000 for a 2 month (60 day clone grow). I really need to up my weight production to lower my cost per lb. It's the labor that kills price, but my time and knowledge is well worth the $40/hr I factor in.
While that may seem like highway robbery, stop and think about it. I have a mortgage on 2 properties, 3 car payments, Boat payment and upkeep, insurance, utilities, and I do put away some money for my retirement that is right around the corner, and that's not even considering putting anything away for the kids education, since my kids are already adults. There is NO WAY I can swing that on less money and maintain a comfortable lifestyle. My $40/hr labor rate is $20 less per hour than I bill out my time at my shop. AND I risk jail time for my trouble!!! I can either grow full time, which is my passion, to keep my lifestyle going or I can go back to the shop full time. But I can't do both. I like y'all, but not enough to lower my lifestyle so that someone can "medicate" on a budget.
The way I see it, if you gave me 24 plants at 3 oz per (72 oz), and needed 2 oz a week for meds (32 oz), that leaves 40 oz left over for me for my trouble. Considering what I get for an O, I'd give you that in a heartbeat! That would be my "Pro Bono" charity work. ESPECIALLY if I had legal status. That is just me. I don't know all the intricacies and regulations compliance involved in the caregiver business, but I'm sure its a business just like any other, and people know what they have to have to keep themselves in whatever lifestyle they've become accustomed to, or to maybe even better their lot in life, which I begrudge no one.
And for those who disdain "drug dealers", first off, where did you get pot before it became quasi-legal where you live? The weed man was your best friend back then. Where do you think that folks in non legal states get theirs? Oh, maybe they aren't supposed to smoke pot anymore, it might jeopardize the legal status in your state. Don't lump weed growers/sellers in with drug dealers. The ONLY difference between a caregiver and a weed dealer is a very fine (and precarious) line. If weed became legal here, I'd be called a caregiver, not a menace to society. Stop being smug that you have legal status and we don't.