The Budist is Arizona’s exclusive collective of state approved caregivers, patients, dispensary agents and cannabis industry professionals.
In April of 2011 The Arizona Department of Health Services Medical Marijuana Program began accepting applications for Medical Marijuana Program ID cards. Many thousands of these card wielding patients found themselves unable to access medication. The state was supposed to allow for 124 dispensaries and begin accepting applications to operate, but state and federal legal issues kept it from happening on schedule. Patients began searching for other ways to acquire medical marijuana.
The Budist was formed. I became a state licensed caregiver and offered assistance in the cultivation of medical marijuana. There was an instant demand and interest in caregiver services, but no clear understanding of the law. I researched everything, wanting to learn as much as possible about the new laws. I made appointments, scheduled interviews at coffee shops and parking lots, and worked late into the night most nights. With everything I put into it, I had no real commitments from potential collective members. Mounting confusion within the state often left me doubting a happy future in the MMJ industry.
I met JD (no card yet, but a doctor’s recommend) over the phone and we arranged an interview at his residence to determine if we would be a good dynamic. We clicked, and our caregiver/patient relationship began.
Looking back I am reminded of the many challenges the medical marijuana community faces. Like many activists and supporters of cannabis I am involved with the community and want to bring knowledge to the un-educated and compassionate care to the un-medicated.
Will Thomas -budist
