The key to a bountiful patient/caregiver relationship has to do with setting expectations. I posit that 80%+ of problems between patients and their caregivers come from a mismatch in expectations. For example: A caregiver might be upset if they bought a bunch of equipment to cultivate for someone who needs very little medicine each month. They may have been able to provide that amount for no extra investment of gear!
What follows is a list of questions that should lead to a good set of expectations between patient and caregiver. While a contract may be too formal for some, putting these things on paper (or email) is a good idea so each party has something to refer to over time.
Who will pay the cultivation fee?
(I recommend patients do so because they then own that permit and can assign it to a caregiver, or decide later to grow for themselves.)
Who provides nutrients, soil, lights, and other gear?
(This question speaks to equipment ownership.)
Who provides genetics? Who gets to choose what is grown and when?
What is being charged for, when, and how much? Monthly? Upon delivery of medicine?
When will first supply of medicine be available?
How much notice should be given when supplies run low?
Will medicine be delivered?
What happens in the event of a crop failure?
What if the patient is unsatisfied with the quality of the end product?
May the patient tour the grow room?
Will the caregiver mentor the patient regarding cultivation?
Who will possess what portion of the 12 oz patient limit, and when?
If known, what are the patient’s consumption needs in terms of ounces?
Will infused products be provided?
Will trim be provided and what is the cost?
Will the medicine be safety tested?
This list is probably not complete. If you have ideas for more expectations that should be set, please let us know and I’ll be sure to add them to this list.
Special thanks to the patients and caregivers who helped to develop this concept for me. You know who you are. I believe this will add a lot of value for current and future patients and caregivers.
Cheers!
— The Lit Farmer —
