4A - Forming an Opportunity of Belief
1/2) An "unmet" need: In 2016, the state of Florida amended their constitution to make medical marijuana legal. Studies have shown that the use of marijuana can help people with a multitude of disorders, from anxiety and glaucoma to epilepsy and cancer. It has saved thousands of peoples lives. At this point in time, a large need for a plant that has many benefits to people with an array of disabilities should have been met. However, with this Amendment being passed, there are still multiple obstacles. While it is fairly easy to apply for a medical card - which allows patients to be able to purchase the medical marijuana at any dispensary in the state - the cost of obtaining one can be extremely expensive. This can be a hindrance for those who cannot afford to keep up with medical bills they already have. With a combination of a recommended visit to the doctors office, a registration fee, the cost of the card itself, the cost of the marijuana at dispensaries, renewal fees and follow up visits to the doctor, it can cost an individual more than $600 within the first year.
3/4) Interviews
Interview #1: Devin B., 19
Q: What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?
A: Personally, I enjoy using marijuana every so often as a way to relax and unwind after a stressful day of school, work and extra curriculars.
Q: Have you thought about purchasing a medical marijuana card?
A: Yeah, it's a thought that comes into my mind every so often. Unfortunately, after doing some research online, I found that it was a bit too expensive for me to keep up with.
Q: How often would you say you smoke/intake marijuana?
A: I would say I smoke about once a week, sometimes once every two weeks.
Q: Where do you feel more secure buying from, a dispensary or a friend who deals to you?
A: Oh, buying from a dispensary is way safer than buying from someone who does not know exactly where or what is in the weed he's selling.
Q: Are you ever hesitant to buy marijuana from a dealer?
A: I mean, yes I have some premonitions about it, but it usually doesn't stop me.
Q: How do you feel about a State or National legalization of recreational marijuana?
A: I think it is only a matter of time, looking at the trends of the legalization of marijuana in other states. I honestly believe that full legalization to marijuana, with age limits obviously, could be super helpful for more people in need to gain access to a drug that can help people's lives. It's also alot safer.
Reflection: Devin, who smokes casually, really cares about where his marijuana comes from, and would like to see a change in our state legislation.
Interview #2: Shana K., 47
Q: What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?
A: I think it's ok to smoke, as long as you don't do it too often
Q: Have you thought about purchasing a medical marijuana card?
A: Yes, recently, I have been dealing with alot of stress and anxiety with things going on in my life. A couple of months ago my son talked to me about getting one and its benefits. I haven't really got around to getting one yet though.
Q: How often would you say you smoke/intake marijuana?
A: I honestly haven't smoked weed since college, which was awhile ago haha.
Q: Where do you feel more secure buying from, a dispensary or a friend who deals to you?
A: A dispensary is 110% safer than buying any drug off the streets. You have no idea what the weed could really be laced with. I've had friends who've been on the verge of death because they smoked weed that was laced with very harmful chemicals.
Q: Are you ever hesitant to buy marijuana from a dealer?
A: Of course!
Q: How do you feel about a State or National legalization of recreational marijuana?
A: I think it would be beneficial to many people. If we had the FDA watching over the way weed is produced, it could really be our next super drug.
Reflection: Shana has her doubts when it comes to using weed that comes from the street as a way to cope with her stress and anxiety. Thus, she believes she is missing out on all the benefits marijuana can have on her life, and is hoping that they legalize marijuana soon.
Interview #3: Danny C., 21
Q: What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?
A: I think it's super beneficial, especially for when it comes to treating my seizures, something I've been dealing with since I was a kid.
Q: Have you thought about purchasing a medical marijuana card?
A: I actually was able to purchase a medical card back when it became legal in 2016. Before then, it was alot harder for me to obtain weed that my parents believed was safe enough for me to have.
Q: How often would you say you smoke/intake marijuana?
A: Pretty often, I take small doses of gummies or whatever every day or two, and it really helps me out.
Q: Where do you feel more secure buying from, a dispensary or a friend who deals to you?
A: A dispensary obviously.
Q: Are you ever hesitant to buy marijuana from a dealer?
A: Personally, I wouldn't say I was hesitant but a dispo (dispensary) is a safer choice.
Q: How do you feel about a State or National legalization of recreational marijuana?
A: I think its a great idea. I have alot of friends with disorders that are interested in a medical card but can't afford it. Luckily for me I can keep up with the expenses but legalizing recreational weed would be really helpful for my friends.
Reflection: Danny's insights were super useful for me to see the importance and all the benefits he has with his medical card. If we legalize weed, it would be a lot easier for people to get the help they need.
7) Summary: To summarize, there seems to be a larger need than I had initially realized. I had talked to people about their lives and how marijuana can affect it for the better. After interviewing these three people, I have a better understanding of the needs and obstacles of having access to safer weed. As entrepreneurs, we should realize the size and importance of this opportunity.
3/4) Interviews
Interview #1: Devin B., 19
Q: What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?
A: Personally, I enjoy using marijuana every so often as a way to relax and unwind after a stressful day of school, work and extra curriculars.
Q: Have you thought about purchasing a medical marijuana card?
A: Yeah, it's a thought that comes into my mind every so often. Unfortunately, after doing some research online, I found that it was a bit too expensive for me to keep up with.
Q: How often would you say you smoke/intake marijuana?
A: I would say I smoke about once a week, sometimes once every two weeks.
Q: Where do you feel more secure buying from, a dispensary or a friend who deals to you?
A: Oh, buying from a dispensary is way safer than buying from someone who does not know exactly where or what is in the weed he's selling.
Q: Are you ever hesitant to buy marijuana from a dealer?
A: I mean, yes I have some premonitions about it, but it usually doesn't stop me.
Q: How do you feel about a State or National legalization of recreational marijuana?
A: I think it is only a matter of time, looking at the trends of the legalization of marijuana in other states. I honestly believe that full legalization to marijuana, with age limits obviously, could be super helpful for more people in need to gain access to a drug that can help people's lives. It's also alot safer.
Reflection: Devin, who smokes casually, really cares about where his marijuana comes from, and would like to see a change in our state legislation.
Interview #2: Shana K., 47
Q: What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?
A: I think it's ok to smoke, as long as you don't do it too often
Q: Have you thought about purchasing a medical marijuana card?
A: Yes, recently, I have been dealing with alot of stress and anxiety with things going on in my life. A couple of months ago my son talked to me about getting one and its benefits. I haven't really got around to getting one yet though.
Q: How often would you say you smoke/intake marijuana?
A: I honestly haven't smoked weed since college, which was awhile ago haha.
Q: Where do you feel more secure buying from, a dispensary or a friend who deals to you?
A: A dispensary is 110% safer than buying any drug off the streets. You have no idea what the weed could really be laced with. I've had friends who've been on the verge of death because they smoked weed that was laced with very harmful chemicals.
Q: Are you ever hesitant to buy marijuana from a dealer?
A: Of course!
Q: How do you feel about a State or National legalization of recreational marijuana?
A: I think it would be beneficial to many people. If we had the FDA watching over the way weed is produced, it could really be our next super drug.
Reflection: Shana has her doubts when it comes to using weed that comes from the street as a way to cope with her stress and anxiety. Thus, she believes she is missing out on all the benefits marijuana can have on her life, and is hoping that they legalize marijuana soon.
Interview #3: Danny C., 21
Q: What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?
A: I think it's super beneficial, especially for when it comes to treating my seizures, something I've been dealing with since I was a kid.
Q: Have you thought about purchasing a medical marijuana card?
A: I actually was able to purchase a medical card back when it became legal in 2016. Before then, it was alot harder for me to obtain weed that my parents believed was safe enough for me to have.
Q: How often would you say you smoke/intake marijuana?
A: Pretty often, I take small doses of gummies or whatever every day or two, and it really helps me out.
Q: Where do you feel more secure buying from, a dispensary or a friend who deals to you?
A: A dispensary obviously.
Q: Are you ever hesitant to buy marijuana from a dealer?
A: Personally, I wouldn't say I was hesitant but a dispo (dispensary) is a safer choice.
Q: How do you feel about a State or National legalization of recreational marijuana?
A: I think its a great idea. I have alot of friends with disorders that are interested in a medical card but can't afford it. Luckily for me I can keep up with the expenses but legalizing recreational weed would be really helpful for my friends.
Reflection: Danny's insights were super useful for me to see the importance and all the benefits he has with his medical card. If we legalize weed, it would be a lot easier for people to get the help they need.
7) Summary: To summarize, there seems to be a larger need than I had initially realized. I had talked to people about their lives and how marijuana can affect it for the better. After interviewing these three people, I have a better understanding of the needs and obstacles of having access to safer weed. As entrepreneurs, we should realize the size and importance of this opportunity.
Hey Ozzie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your unmet need that medical marijuana should become recreational nationally or at least within each individual state. With more voters who have similar views, marijuana will become legal throughout most states within the next decade. Personally having gone to a dispensary before, It makes the process of obtaining marijuana much safer and smoother but ultimately can be pricey, like you stated in your post. I believe when it becomes recreational in states like Florida and West Virginia, where it's medical currently, the prices will be dropped as the influx of dispensaries and weed products will deflate the market tremendously.
Hey Ozzie, the subject to your opportunity belief is definitely a hot topic especially with professionals who work in the medical field and consistently vouch for this proposal. I really think analysis of your interviews were a crucial part to this opportunity belief just based off how much of this "unmet need" is needed across the map and according to your summary it is definitely a larger need than expected. , which I agree as well. Overall, I enjoyed reading your blog post and thought you did a fantastic job.
ReplyDelete