There are many valid criticisms that people throughout the nation have about medical marijuana. Among the biggest is the fact that minority ownership of medical marijuana dispensaries is so low. A study conducted in 2017 revealed that throughout the nation, only 4.3% of medical marijuana dispensary owners are Black. White medical marijuana dispensary owners account for 81% of all dispensary owners throughout the country.
The ramifications of the inequity among dispensary owners can be costly if not corrected soon. Fortunately, numerous states with medical marijuana programs have regulations and rules geared towards increasing minority ownership of medical marijuana dispensaries. For instance, Ohio prepares to increase the number of operating medical marijuana dispensaries from 57 to 130, and regulators are working to add provisions to show preference to those that are minority-owned. This provision regulators are creating would set aside 15% of new licenses to companies with at least 51% minority ownership.
More Black Medical Marijuana Entrepreneurs Could Allow for Better Access to Medical Marijuana in the Black Community
One of the biggest obstacles that patients in Ohio’s medical marijuana program are forced to overcome is that dispensaries are often located 30 minutes or further away from them. This can present a particularly unique burden to Black medical marijuana patients, considering they are less likely than their white, Asian or Hispanic counterparts to have access to an automobile.
If Black Americans choose to open medical marijuana dispensaries, it’s fair to assume that the distance between dispensaries will be minimized. Additionally, more Black dispensary owners could lead to more medical marijuana dispensaries opening in diverse communities. Such an opportunity could allow people to learn more about its benefits who otherwise never would have looked into medical marijuana.
More Representation in Amongst Medical Marijuana Business Owners Could Lead To an Increase in Diversity in the Medical Marijuana Workforce
Businesses typically hire directly from the top, so more diversity among medical marijuana owners could result in more diversity among the staff who help patients. For recreational marijuana companies, of the 14 largest cannabis companies Black people represent just 7% of the C-Suite. A lack of diversity makes it nearly impossible to serve the needs of customers from every walk of life.
The reality is that people are more likely to buy fromthose they like, know, and trust. A striking lack of diversity can make that trust nearly impossible to earn. Without trust, many patients won’t receive the care they deserve, and dispensaries won’t reach their full potential from a business perspective. An increased emphasis on diversity in the ownership of medical marijuana dispensaries could be the catalyst for solving multiple problems.
More Black Medical Marijuana Entrepreneurs Could Be Instrumental in Helping to Break Negative Stigmas About the World of Medical Marijuana
People throughout the country aren’t living the pain-free lives they deserve because they still buy into falsehoods about the availability and potency of medical marijuana. While some people still have reservations about the medical efficacy of medical marijuana, others are worried about affordability or legality. Successful Black Americans starting medical marijuana businesses of their own could help break down untrue stigmas about medical marijuana that exist both in and outside the Black community.
Black medical marijuana entrepreneurs could help break old stigmas about the therapeutic benefits cannabis has to offer, because they can help provide reassurance to skeptics that believe there’s no way it’s possible to purchase marijuana over the counter. The War on Drugs heavily affected Black people who consumed cannabis and left scars, so reassurance could be necessary for some skeptics.
Some people of diverse backgrounds may be turned away from medical marijuana because they believe the industry, as currently constructed, is only equipped to deal with the needs of White patients. The only way to overcome this sort of barrier is by supporting the opening and development of medical marijuana businesses owned by people from diverse backgrounds.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Are Open in Ohio - Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today to Gain Access!
Even though Ohio’s medical marijuana program isn’t perfect, it provides patients of all backgrounds with the therapeutic relief they deserve. Patients benefit from the several medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state that are minority-owned. Gaining access to one is easier than you may think! Simply make an appointment with a knowledgeable, caring medical marijuana physician who can approve you for a medical marijuana card. Doing so will allow you to support Black owned medical marijuana dispensaries and brands while receiving the therapeutic relief you deserve.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
Here at Ohio Marijuana Card, our goal is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at (866) 457-5559, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
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