Putting It All Together
Concept: Outdoor Air Purifying Hub
Opportunity
As far back as has been recorded, cannabis and the
United States has had a contentious relationship. From being required to grow
on every farm back in the 1600’s, to being criminalized by President Nixon in
the 1970’s, this plant has seen its share of highs and lows, no pun intended. While
criminalizing weed use may have fit political agendas of that time, it did not
work to decrease its popularity. As of today, marijuana maintains a two thirds
approval rating. It is this statistic that has the country moving closer and
closer to legalization. Eleven states have approved it for recreational use,
and thirty-three medicinally. Changes in attitude and opinions toward marijuana
has led to a colossal revenue construct. As of 2019, one of the first states to
legalize saw its highest-grossing revenue periods recorded. During April and
May of that year, approximately 24 million was collected… each month! Fast
forward to 2020 and marijuana’s immense popularity combined with the it is
increasing income potential has seen the federal decriminalization debate
resurge as a sort of political football. Some say we are one presidential
endorsement away of full federal legalization.
With the continued changes in law comes a very
significant adjustment period. I myself would never have imagined the likelihood
of someone sitting on a bench smoking marijuana outside my local library. How do
I explain all of this to a child? This truly is where my opportunity to enter
the market has been created. The market for my product is defined demographically
although the issue affects all levels of our society. The market segment I
perceive to be most impacted by these new laws and forthcoming rampant use,
would be that of middle aged / middle class families with small children. While
my market also encapsulates marijuana connoisseurs, both recreationally and medicinally,
the deepest impact would be felt by those with the highest political clout. I believe
this to be true as some will feel marijuana use in public infringes on other’s
constitutional rights of quiet enjoyment. Appealing to the largest voting block
typically concerned with such constitutional issues I am hopeful will result in
an increased awareness and counter reaction. If nothing is done, marijuana use
will face the same negative connotations and stereotyping that cigarette
smoking does. Users will be ostracized which will make it more difficult for
its market acceptance.
Innovation
The multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry has
created many opportunities for support products. With this being true, I have yet
to find any product that offers the ability to both re-mediating air quality and
serve as a public relations advertisement. My idea the outdoor smoke
remediation hub would do just this. For best visual interpretation, think part
humidor / part bus shelter. My hub would be introduced into areas of city centers
most congested with foot traffic. The device would model a bus shelter’s style and
have accessibility from both the front and the rear. Much like the devices that
deliver mists of water at Disney and other entertainment attractions, my device
would be modified to have suction devices on both sides to collect exhaled marijuana
smoke. The hub could be made from aluminum materials and outfitted with the
suction/ purifying devices. The purified air would then be collected and introduced
back into the atmosphere. These hub-like devices would be manufactured for
state and local use. The device concept and manufacturing would occur locally
once the prototype has been engineered. The hub would cost in the area of $4,500
plus installation, and locales would be charged a monthly maintenance fee. It
would be suggested to have these installed every 600 - 1200 feet in high trafficked
areas.
Venture concept
As indicated, the recent changes to legislation, have
created both a market opportunity, and a problem. The problem is how do we
contend with the odorous smell in congested areas? Marijuana unless it has changed
much from when I was younger has a very pungent odor. These odors transfer
easily to the clothing of users as well as their surroundings. With the advent
of my innovation, there would be ways of re-mediating this nuisance. Users would
be able to maintain anonymity from having it collect in their clothing, and less
awkward moments of passing by someone full indulgence would be likely to occur.
In resolving this pressing concern, my innovation by design also facilitates ease
of market entry. These devices would be placed similarly to cigarette smoking
stations. Those with respiratory issues would not feel their health is being
jeopardized, and those with the propensity to smoke would have their semi
private outlet.
Revenue would be created from those benefiting most
from the industry’s legalization. Marijuana cultivators as well as the state
taxing authorities would be responsible for funding. From both perspectives, the
installation of these devices could be introduced as a public relations effort.
The shelters can be made to have messages associated with safest use practices,
hygienics, or any other messaging or advertising deemed appropriate. Marijuana cultivators
would be encouraged to share in the cost of manufacturing, and as such would be
allowed to have an allowable amount of branding for those hubs that they chose
to adopt. Local business would appeal to local jurisdictions for support in
making certain their individual strip centers are included in strategic planning
decisions. All would be looked upon as positive steps for integration. I would
be involved in applying my passion of social acceptability for those requiring
marijuana use for medical purposes. Painting a picture of reconciled harmony
amongst all involved would be my strongest resource.
After successful launching my product, my company
would maintain the shelters much like a bank does an ATM or the local
department of traffic outsources for its bus shelters. Fines would be levied
for vandalism etc. Long term, I would hand off the maintenance to the local
jurisdiction. I would however continue to manufacture the hubs and modify and
outfit as needs change over time. Over time, I see a device/ hub family coming
from this first option. These devices would be employed in an assortment of varying
circumstances. Because of my initial success, I would then be called upon as a
subject matter expert in other needs related to marijuana’s public acceptance.
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