In Strategic Planning there is an analysis known as SWOT (no, not SWAT!). It stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Strengths and Weaknesses are thought to be internal, while Opportunities and Threats emanate from external sources.

To conduct the analysis, one creates lists to describe the organization, in our case OPN, on each of these dimensions. What are OPN's Strengths and Weaknesses? What Threats does OPN face, and what Opportunities lay on the horizon?

Let's start a small list:

Strengths:

- Profound dedication and belief in the cause among those involved in it.
- People who are talented and knowledgeable in many disciplines, not just within a defined skill or occupation.

Weaknesses

- Ohio's large geographic size and diversity makes it difficult to connect with members.
- Fear of the illegality and stigma keeps many people from becoming visibly involved.

Opportunities

- Many new treatments are being found for cannabis.
- The side effects of legal pharmaceuticals are now determined to be much worse than those for cannabis.

Threats

- The government refuses to conduct the research necessary to prove cannabis' therapeutic properties.
- Companies increasingly use pre-employment drug tests that disqualify medicinal cannabis users from job opportunities.

Please participate in this analysis by adding your thoughts about Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

If you're not already on our e-mail discussion list, you can visit http://www.ohiopatient.net/v2/content/view/177/97/ to join and participate by e-mail. Otherwise please send your comments to me at mjborden@ohiopatient.net or to P.O. Box 26353, Columbus, OH 43226.

Please remember that this model can be used in your own life. The idea is to operate from a position of Strength, not Weakness, to take advantage of Opportunities and to thwart that which Threatens you.