How do I move out to California with my friends to start a medical marijuana grow op?
Thanks for the A2A!A few things. First off, if you want to grow top-shelf, high-quality flower in a clean environment with the right lighting, nutrients, medium, and especially location, you're gonna need more than 60k.But let's say the money doesn't matter. If you wanna do it legit, here are some things you're gonna need:First off, you'll need to apply for all the proper licenses to be able to grow more than 6 plants (at least until the laws change come January 1st.) Which leads me to my next point: you're gonna need a lawyer. One who works specifically in the cannabis industry. Someone who knows their shit about cannabis laws and in your case, cultivation, to help you fill out all the necessary paperwork and help you file for the state licenses. You're also gonna need a cannabis-specific CPA to help with your finances. Unfortunately, it's not easy going into the marijuana industry because most banks still don't recognize cannabis businesses as a legitimate source of income. Right now it's almost all cash-money.Oh! You're also gonna need a CA state I.D. and doctor's rec. (I know, sounds kinda dumb that I should have to even mention that, but...)Once you've got all of that squared away, I'd say your next biggest issue you'll face is finding a location. Realtors and landlords are still very leery of renting/selling to people who are looking for a cultivation facility location or store front. I'd say this is going to be somewhat of a hurdle, especially in L.A. Unless of course, you know someone or someplace. Then your next task is going to be making sure it's completely sanitary and that you have the proper security measures in place (cameras, guard(s), whatever you see fit. You really don't wanna run the risk of someone fucking all this hard work/money up.)Now it's time to set up your location. Of course you're gonna need seeds or clones, nutrients (lots of em!), fresh (preferably RO) water supply, lighting (LED is getting much more popular - it's expensive upfront cost but can really save you long-term. Kind LED is killer, I'd check them out!), soil or your preferred medium, and then whatever else you need depending on what system you choose to grow (trays, pumps, fans, buckets, etc.) There are plenty of options from soil to hydroponics, aquaponics to aeroponics and more! If you know how to grow, and can grow well, then this is going to be the fun part! I'd hope by this point you've already started making connections at your local collectives. This will help you get an in when you are ready to sell to them. They want to know what you're growing, if you're consistent, if your medicine is tested (hint: it should be! You can send it to SC Labs or I'm sure there are testing facilities closer to southern California too), and they're gonna examine the nugs to check out the trichomes and overall look/density/smell/taste. Obviously if you know the owner then this part is going to be a bit easier, but of course you should still strive to make the highest-quality medicine, regardless of connections.And there you have it. That's a pretty basic run-down. Just make sure all your employees are clean-as-a-whistle (you'd be surprised at how many pests can be lurking on your shoes!) and that you're trying to comply with all your local laws.Good luck and have fun!