The problem caregivers run in to is two fold. First, it isn't market value, it is compensation for cost. Market value is the going rate on the illegal market or 'the most you can get people to pay'. Compensation for cost is the electricity, grow equipment, portion of house rent use by the grow room, and in most cases reasonable labor. There is always the chance that the next trick will be to require caregivers to justify the cost with bookkeeping. If you are charging 20 a gram and all you can document is that it cost you 4 to grow, I can see that as being viewed as a violation of the act
Second, how much can you grow. 5 patients, 1 oz a month plus you is 18 oz every three months. That means you can plant enough to have what, 30 oz every three months? You can justify needing 18 and having 30, but can you justify needing 18 and having 80? So where is the rest going? Again, could be viewed as a violation of the Act.
This is not the last word, I am not aware of cases involving this issue yet. But it is something to file away and be aware of for safety's sake.
I tend to agree it is going to be hard to follow the rules and make your sole income from caring for 5 patients. Unless you have patients that require very large amounts and can pay for them. But you guys are the experts on this, not me.
Dr. Bob