Studies Confirm that Cannabis can Aid in the Treatment of Diabetes

medical marijuana payment processingThere are many illnesses that have been declared treatable with medical cannabis. Proponents of medical cannabis have used the drug to treat illnesses throughout history. Today, medical cannabis is being prescribed for numerous illnesses and ailments as a form of treatment. Medical marijuana is being prescribed for anything from sleeping disorders and aches and pains to chemotherapy, Alzheimer’s Disease and diabetes.

As the debate over the legalization of medical marijuana continues – it is still currently illegal on the federal level, despite legalization in many states – it has not prevented studies to be conducted concerning the benefits of medical marijuana. Recent research done by the University of San Diego has revealed that cannabis actually reduces treatment-resistant neuropathic pain.

The fact that cannabis helps with treating insulin resistance has already been studied and determined to show promise. The study revealed that those who smoked pot were less insulin resistant. Now, upon further research, it has been determined that cannabis can also aid with the pain that those with diabetes suffer from. It even when as far as giving the possibility that cannabis can prevent it.

The sixteen patients who underwent the study all suffered from painful diabetic neuropathy. When they inhaled the cannabis their pain was considerably lessened. The higher the THC content of the cannabis inhaled the less pain they felt. While the studies’ results cannot be declared definitive, it has encouraged further research regarding how medical marijuana can impact the treatment of diabetes.

Even though studies have shown that medical marijuana positively impacts patients, the amount of research that can be done is restricted due to the illegal nature of the drug on federal level. This also has and continues to make it difficult for those trying to run or open dispensaries for the purpose of providing medical marijuana.

Fortunately, there are providers that are willing to work with those in the marijuana industry despite the “high risk” label given by traditional lending sources. Medical marijuana payment processing is become the go-to solution for those trying to run or start up their business in the medical marijuana industry. The simple, fast and hassle-free application process has and continues to make it easy for businesses to receive the solutions they need without the endless documentation requirements and credit checks.

For medical marijuana payment processing contact us today.

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Legal Marijuana Industry Sheds Light on Its Long Illegality

Medical Marijuana Payment ProcessingMillions are locked up every year for drugs in the United States, and a big percentage of those are for marijuana possession, usage, or manufacturing. The rush of states to legalize pot have made many wonder what happens to those who were locked up before its legality. The green brings pleasure to many and cash to some, and while the Feds still outlaw it, the rapid legalization of states may soon turn the tide on what once was a promising war on drugs.

Legal or not, there will always be pot smokers. The states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use (such as Colorado), and the states that have turned possession into a simple ticket (New York) are setting the stage for the rest of the United States to bring leniency to the users to the drug. What separates marijuana from drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin, is that marijuana is grown and dried, with the majority of the time no additives. No processing other than sunlight, and no kitchen chemicals. While the new legality in many places should affect the prison sentences of pot dealers, traffickers, and users, it more than likely will not. In the early 2000s, Congress passed laws to bring leniency to crack cocaine prison terms. This change did nothing to tens of thousands who were already incarcerated for the crime, and the same will probably happen with marijuana.

However, these new legalization’s make it a great time for a merchant to hop onto the medical marijuana bandwagon. Twenty-three states, plus Washington DC, have legalized medical marijuana, and others, such as Colorado and Georgia has legalized medicinal cannabis oils for certain chronic and terminal conditions. This is a rewarding industry, and it can be lucrative, as well. While rewarding and lucrative, it can be a pain in the neck to file a reputable medical marijuana payment processing account. Luckily, it can be done if you do your research. One of the top-rated over the last 10 years is MMA. Ten years is a long time in any business, and the knowledge of MMA’s staff can help you get the right foot in the door with the local governments to ensure your medical marijuana business is not only following the laws, but also following payment processing mandates, as well.

Contact MMA today!

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Colorado Bans EBT Card Withdrawals at Pot Shops

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Pot shop customers (and merchants), pay attention: Colorado has now banned EBT withdrawals from ATM machines in pot shops. While the state previously banned its withdrawals in casinos, liquor stores, and gun shops, this newest ban may leave some shaking their heads. Because pot shops are located in many communities, customers and non-customers alike use their ATM machines as a convenience for EBT cash withdrawal. While this is a setback and inconvenience for many, it should not deter you from operating your shop as you normally would. In fact, it may actually encourage you to look for other payment options beside the popular “cash only” method.

Many Colorado pot shops are “cash only” for many reasons, however it is dangerous. Many establishments have been victimized because of this, and once the cash is gone, your business is out of luck. The revenue is lost, never to return. You need to look for a marijuana payment processing company. You may think this is impossible, because of the stigma on the newly legalized market. True, many processors turn their noses up at the idea of providing a payment processing account to a marijuana merchant, but there are some who do not. One of the best in the business is MMA, or Marijuana Merchant Account.

MMA is different from traditional payment processors for many reasons. For starters, MMA is one of the foremost knowledgeable processors in the legalized marijuana industry. What tends to happen when a new product becomes legalized is that a few payment processors will hop aboard, only to charge huge processing fees. This is not the case with MMA. MMA has been helping legalized recreational and legalized medical marijuana merchants for over 10 years safely accept plastic payment cards with a low processing fee. This low fee does not mean that service is shabby; in fact, it means that MMA wants your business to succeed.

One of the biggest issues with marijuana payment processing accounts is the sub-par security and terminals that are offered up to marijuana merchants. This is not the case with MMA, as top of the line security, software, and terminals are offered. Regardless of how you operate your pot shop, MMA has the tools that you need to succeed.

For Marijuana payment processing and other forms of accepting payment at your dispensary contact us today!

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Understanding How to Operate Under the CA Marijuana Law

Marijuana Business FundingAre you one of the many individuals in the state of California in need of marijuana for medical use? If you are, there are key aspects of California law that you should know. While the medical use of marijuana is legal, the recreational use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana is very much illegal. You must not only understand California law, but also federal law and your rights.

The fact that marijuana is still illegal on the federal level continues to be the biggest obstacle for those who need to use marijuana for medical purposes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), lists marijuana as a Schedule I drug along with other drugs, substances and chemicals that are considered the most dangerous along with having no currently accepted medical use. This means that even though medical marijuana cultivation was legalized in 1996, it is still technically illegal on the federal level.

According to California law, the possession of one ounce of marijuana or less is an infraction with the possibility of a $100 fine. Larger amounts can mean fines of up to $500 and six months in jail. If you are found to be in possession with the intent to sell and/or cultivate, it can lead to a possible state prison sentence since both are considered to be felonies.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to educate yourself on your rights. For example, if authorities find that you have baggies and scales then there is evidence of intent to distribute. Instead of looking at a simple possession misdemeanor, you might now face prison time. In addition, if you are located close to a school or near children, your punishment will be much worse.

When growing for medical use, you will have an easier time proving that it is for medical use if you grow a number consistent with your needs. If you are caught with 300 plus plants, for example, this will immediately appear excessive for one individual’s medical use; thus, you may be charged with a felony. However, if you have a large group of people and you can show that it is a more reasonable count of ten plants per person, your grow may be declared legal under California law.

While the medical marijuana industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, there are still many obstacles for those who have startups in the industry; the conflict between state and federal law being a major one. The following tips should help you to be prepared for worst case scenarios while also providing safe solutions to your business needs. Keep all of your “I”’s dotted and your “T”’s crossed.

First, be sure to secure the services of a lawyer who knows cannabis and medical marijuana laws. They can provide answer to any questions you might have as well as assist you in operating your business in compliance with state law.

Second, consider securing marijuana payment processing. This option will provide you with safe and hassle-free payment processing solutions when traditional lending sources shy away from you due to the “high risk” nature of the medical marijuana industry.

For Marijuana Payment Processing contact us today!

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Marijuana Can Cure Cancer, But Congress Still Won’t Act

brain-studyThe National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), may have come out in support of certain chemicals in marijuana to treat cancer cells. A new study by St. George’s University of London, found that the two most common cannabinoids in marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have the power to weaken cancer cells, thus making them more susceptible to radiation treatment. The study showed a drastic reduction in fatal brain cancers when the cannabinoids were introduced along with radiation therapy, a revelation that many marijuana advocates say gives the federal government another reason to loosen its control over marijuana legislation.

Scientists of the study state that the initial results of the study are promising. They believe the cannabinoids have the potential to provide a breakthrough for the treatment of glioma (tumors). While the ability of marijuana to treat health conditions is common knowledge, it is surprising that a government entity would back a study supporting the use of marijuana for cancer treatment. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize the marijuana plant as a form of medicine, it has approved two medications that have cannabinoid chemicals in pill form.

Right now, marijuana is listed as a Schedule I dangerous drug underneath the Controlled Substances Act. NIDA’s supposed support of marijuana as a legitimate treatment of cancer, comes after the introduction of the CARERS Act which wants to downgrade marijuana from a Schedule I status to a Schedule II. This would make the drug more acceptable to the federal government as a form or medicine. The bill would also take away cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating compound found in the pot leaf, from the Controlled Substances Act. This would allow it to be distributed across the U.S. without violating federal statutes.

Despite the recognition of marijuana’s medicinal worth and its ability to kill cancer cells, Attorney General Eric Holder has not made changing pot legislation a priority. Marijuana health advocates fear his position will be unchanged, even in the wake of this latest revelation.

Even though the NIDA has recognized the medicinal value of marijuana, many marijuana merchants still can’t find competent recreational or medical marijuana payment processing. However, there are some experienced online payment processors like MMA that specialize in providing marijuana business funding. Learn more about expanding your customer’s payment options with debit and credit cards.

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Texas Marijuana Legalization Getting Many Votes

Medical marijuana use has been a touchy subject for many years now. With many states moving forward with legalization, but federal laws remaining strict, it’s difficult to know where cannabis use stands these days.

medical marijuana payment processingThe “Christian Case” has been making headlines across the nation. The infamous Texas bill is attempting to legalize marijuana for religious purposes. As a surprise to many, it’s actually getting a lot of votes and is moving forward much more than expected.

Texan Marijuana Rights Changing

Texas has long been against all use of marijuana, be it for recreational or medicinal purposes. However, with this new bill having received three democratic votes and two republican votes in House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, it’s now going to Calendars Committee before ultimately reaching House Committee.

It’s a huge step forward in the legalization of marijuana in the state of Texas. With marijuana business funding be more and more accessible, we had to see it coming. However, nobody would have expected this bill to make it this far.

What the Bill Proposes

The bill itself is a major step. It’s seeking full legalization and decriminalization on religious grounds. Although the bill clearly states that marijuana would remain illegal for minors, parents would have the ultimate decision about where marijuana belongs in their household.

This bill would ultimately place marijuana on a similar standing as alcohol and tobacco.

Religion and Marijuana Use

This entire bill is based around marijuana being a creation of God. Reverends and pastors across the state are coming forward, stating that marijuana use should be a decision that individuals make, not the government. Although not all religious representatives are for marijuana use, many of them still believe that it was put on Earth for a reason and it should be legalized.

While most people thought marijuana would be legalized for medical purposes, it may in fact be spirituality that acts as the stepping-stone to legalizing marijuana in the 21st century. Although the bill still has a long way to go before being official, it’s no longer an unrealistic expectation.

For Marijuana Business Funding contact us today!

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What Presidential Candidates Really Think About Medical Marijuana

Clinton-2016-tattoo-595x1056The medical marijuana industry has been a debate for many over the course of the past couple decades. With the 2016 presidential elections coming up, many people have been wondering what each candidate truly thinks about medical use of cannabis.

Marijuana Merchant Processing and other medical marijuana merchant processors are making it easier for cannabis dispensaries to accept payments, thus growing this industry at a rapid pace. Presidential candidates no longer have a choice; they need to have an opinion on the issue at hand.

We have divided the candidates into two groups: those who are for legalizing medical marijuana and those against.

Presidential Candidates for Marijuana Use

There are currently three presidential candidates that have demonstrated interest in moving forward with the full legalization of medical marijuana. Rand Paul, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have all said positive things about marijuana use and its medical values.

Bernie Sanders has voted in favor of a bill that prevents the Department of Justice from interfering with state medical marijuana laws. He also mentioned that medical cannabis legalization is not a priority of his, but he will definitely look into it.

Hillary Clinton believes that there hasn’t been enough research done in terms of marijuana’s medical values and she would like to move forward with such procedures. Although recreational use is not in the near future, she definitely wants to look into the medical benefits that marijuana can deliver.

Rand Paul is one of the only candidates that is all for medical marijuana legalization. He is the original sponsor of a bill that would end federal war on medical cannabis use. Although he does not promote use of the drug, he believes that it can bring a lot of good to the medical industry.

Presidential Candidates Against Marijuana Use

There are five candidates that have demonstrated absolutely no interest in legalizing and decriminalizing medical marijuana. Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, Carly Florina and Marco Rubio are all against legalization.

Ben Carson says it should be completely off the table. Although the retired neurosurgeon believes it has its benefits, he also believes that it’s a gateway drug that can lead to much more serious issues.

Mike Huckabee is a former Baptist pastor that is completely against the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. He even mentions that he would not prevent the DEA from raiding patients in states where medical cannabis use is legal.

Ted Cruz doesn’t believe in the legalization of marijuana use. He has displayed a lot of efforts to continue criminalizing patients that use marijuana even in states where it is legal.

Carly Florina is not entirely against the use of medical marijuana, but she does not plan on ending the prohibition. Although Florina wants to allow states to move forward with their own laws, she doesn’t believe in decriminalizing it.

Marco Rubio is against decriminalizing marijuana use and believes that legalizing it would be adding another substance abuse problem to this country. Although he refuses to move forward with medical marijuana legalization at the moment, he did mention that he may reconsider it in the future.

For Marijuana Merchant Processing and other payment options besides cash, contact us today!

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Congress Shows Little Interest in the Marijuana Industry’s Banking Problems

Washington DC Capitol detail on cloudy skyDespite the pleas from marijuana businesses and medical marijuana users, Congress has revealed that it has no intentions of resolving and addressing the issue of legalizing marijuana any time soon. While nearly half of the states have one small victories in legalizing marijuana, it is still illegal on the federal level.

Congress has shown little interest in dealing with the conflict that continues between federal and state laws. The problem is that it has caused and continues to be an issue for the marijuana industry to find the banking solutions that they so badly need in order to operate.

This banking crisis has left business owners all over the country with no way to deposit their profits and to find payment processing solutions. In addition, those who wish to start a business in the industry are left with the difficult or impossible task of securing a small business loan via traditional lending sources.

In an effort to find a solution to the problem, a credit union was created in Colorado just for the marijuana industry. However, the only way this credit union can officially open its doors is through the approval of the nation’s top financial policymakers.

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton recently stated in an interview that it is unlikely that the Federal Reserve will act anytime soon concerning this request by the marijuana-only Fourth Corner Credit Union for the direct access of the nation’s banking system. He did acknowledge the fact that he has been told privately by several bankers that they would like to be able to work with businesses that are legally growing and selling marijuana in Colorado; however, they fear being accused of money laundering in the eyes of federal law.

While Congress recognizes the need to bridge this gap that lies between state and federal law, no solution is expected anytime soon. In the meantime, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Cory Booker, D-N.Y. and Rand Paul, R-Ky., have introduced a bill that would ultimately end the federal prohibition of medical marijuana; thus, making it must easier for banks to work with medical marijuana businesses.

While things are still sorting themselves out, the marijuana industry has found other solutions to their funding and payment processing needs. Alternative lending providers that specialize in working with businesses considered “high risk” by traditional lenders have stepped up to the plate. They not only offer merchant cash advances that are better suited to the industry’s funding needs (in addition to being faster and more hassle-free), but they also offer safe and efficient payment processing solutions. Many marijuana businesses are finding their needs met by marijuana payment processing.

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Recreational Marijuana Has Taken Over Medical in Colorado

The marijuana state, Colorado stampWhile many states are just now hopping on the medical marijuana wagon, the sales in Colorado are beginning to increase for recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana sales in Colorado actually fell during 2014. The number of medical cardholders also fell; these medical users have begun to purchase through recreational instead.

According to an article by Susan Scutti of Medical Daily, “Looking at the current trend line, the research and advisory firm predicts the average patient count will continue to decline – from approximately 114,000 in 2014 to 99,000 by 2020 – while the number of recreational users grows”.

Despite the legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado, many remain hesitant and reluctant due to the substance still being illegal on the federal level. Colorado has not full embraced the legalized drug, medically or recreationally. Even though the tax revenues are tempting, most jurisdictions in the state will not allow marijuana sales – of any kind.

In addition, people are avoiding registering for a pot card. The illegal status of marijuana on the federal level is keeping people afraid that doing so will lead to feds busting down their doors. As a result of this fear, people have become willing to pay extra to be invisible.

Business continues to be difficult for those in this industry for the same reason that it is hard for its customers – the illegal status on the federal level. Marijuana has been and continues to be classified as a Schedule I drug; this means, according to federal law, marijuana has “no accepted medical use”.

Because of this, banks remain unwilling to allow dispensaries to deposit their profits with them. Acquiring business funding is also difficult, if not impossible. While legalization in the state of Colorado may be established, the reality and practice of it is a completely different story.

Many marijuana businesses have turned to medical marijuana payment processing. As states continue to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, providers that offer these specialized services are working to fill the gap that businesses need as the states continue to work through the process of acceptance that follows legalization.

For Marijuana payment processing solutions contact us today!

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