Maine’s Medical Cannabis Sales Continue to Grow

MarijuanaTaxes on Maine cannabis dispensaries was 40% higher in 2014 than 2013. Sales have obviously increased by a similar amount. It has been estimated that Maine dispensaries sold an estimated $16.2 million worth of cannabis in 2014. According to the latest figures, the state tax collected was around $900,000.

Maine is home to eight dispensaries, 1,720 registered caregivers and 15,000 MMJ patients. The Press Herald has estimated that caregiver sales totaled between $45 million and $60 million in the year of 2014.

According to the NORML Foundation, Maine’s medical marijuana law defines a primary caregiver as a person that provides care for a registered caregiver. “The caregiver must be 21 years of age or older. The caregiver can never have been convicted of a disqualifying drug offense. Patients can name one or two primary caregivers. (Only one person may be allowed to cultivate marijuana for a registered patient).”

Under Maine’s medical marijuana law, a patient is allowed to possess two and one-half ounces and must meet certain qualifying conditions: cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, etc.

While medical marijuana use is legal, the recreational use is not. Maine is one of many states that are pushing for the legalization of recreational use. States that already have recreational bills on the table – or are expected to soon – include: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

If you are considering starting up a business in this industry, you are probably more than aware of the risk involved. In addition, you may have already experienced obstacles in receiving funding. As long as cannabis is considered a Schedule I drug on the federal level, funding from traditional sources is going to be very difficult if not impossible.

Fortunately, there is marijuana business funding available for those who wish to enter the industry by starting a business. There are providers that specialize in offering high risk merchant accounts, check processing and payment gateways to those who are struggling to find solutions elsewhere.

Allow Marijuana-merchant-account.com to be your online source and solution. Take advantage of the simple application process, low rates and exceptional customer service.

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The Momentum Needed to Legalize California

Marijuana Business FundingCalifornia was the first state to legalize medicinal marijuana, but has fallen behind in the efforts to legalize it for recreational use while Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska has successfully started selling and making profits from marijuana sales. It was thought undoubtedly that California would have been the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, but with California’s different campaigns and multiple population centers, it has been hard for everyone to focus solely on the marijuana legalization campaign. Here are a few things that it would take for California to legalize marijuana.

The most important and main step to take for California to legalize marijuana is to actually have the campaign be the main focus during the election. The last two elections had too many competing initiatives that refused to work together. Given, California has other initiatives such and education and healthcare that need to be addressed and many are not willing to unite together to spend their funding and time into a campaign that contradicts their belief system. It will take everyone’s resources and efforts to really get the marijuana campaign noticed in the state.

Let’s say the reform community unites and large contributors follow, the next step would be having money to fund the recreational marijuana campaign. It will be no easy feat, it took Oregon 4 million dollars in campaign spending to legalize the drug and that was a smaller state. It would take an estimated 18-20 million dollars to legalize marijuana in California and additional millions for behind the scenes spending. The signature requirement is much higher in California compared to other states and has more population centers around the state, which translates to more money needed to have stronger media campaigns in the population centers. Now, if the funding for the campaign were met, to successfully win the vote to legalize marijuana it will require a strong campaign team.

A strong campaign team will be needed that consists of California reform leaders and members from other successful campaigns that are willing to focus on the legalization of marijuana. If these groups of people got together then surely marijuana would be legalized. Join California’s marijuana industry by receiving marijuana business funding with marijuana-merchant-account.com. Become a marijuana merchant and join the already thriving industry.

All hope is not lost for California in their pursuit to legalize marijuana. By chance, the California Legislature could even legalize marijuana before the election and save time and money in campaigning, but without relying on that, the listed steps would be needed to see legalization happen in the state of California. California is relentless in making change happen, if the 2016 election doesn’t prove to be successful, there will always be the years onward to fight to legalize their beloved plant.

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Marijuana Industry Banking focus for Colorado Governor

The marijuana state, Colorado stampThe traditional banking industry has disassociated from the marijuana industry for a long time. All that is about to change in the state of Colorado with the Governor focusing on putting the marijuana industry banking a top priority for the growing sector in their state. The once unregulated and unstructured marijuana industry lead banks fearful of crackdowns by the federal government, but with new laws allowing the selling of medical marijuana according to state laws, Colorado has seen an explosion of revenue coming from the marijuana industry.

With the beneficial increase in state revenue from the marijuana industry taxes, Colorado Governor, John Hickenlooper, is aiming to make the marijuana industry free of corruption by focusing on banks to start working with the marijuana merchants. It’s clear that the marijuana industry is risky in business terms, but with legalization of medical marijuana in the state, the all-cash industry, can face many problems without a proper partnership with the banks.

Banking has been a major issue for the industry, but in Colorado, the marijuana industry is thriving and a well functioning banking partnership must be had to reduce crime and corruption. With the continuing battle with public health and public safety concerns, the marijuana industry has shown that the legalization laws are working. Taking into consideration from health officials, industry, law enforcement, and community members, the marijuana industry has surpassed all doubts and has shown beneficial economic growth for the state of Colorado.

No matter how banks see it, the marijuana industry has shown positive light to the right people. Marijuana merchants can know that they are safe as long as they abide by state laws. For marijuana merchants, it’s a good time to expand cash-only payments and allow processing credit and debit card purchases. Marijuana-merchant-account.com can help you set up a marijuana merchant processing account. They have industry knowledge and cater to all the necessary needs of the marijuana merchant.

The all-cash industry is restrictive and is slowing down the potential of larger sales. Accepting debit and credit cards will reduce robberies. As medical marijuana sales continue to show positive growth, a comprehensive banking reform should be made for the necessary marijuana industry.

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With Great Cash Comes Greater Struggle

marijuana-money-profits-earnings-medical-marijuana-projectWhen you legalize an industry that has been illegal for too long, the changes to the business landscape of such a change are plenty. This is the case with the marijuana industry, whereby an increasing number of business opportunities are emerging, with people using their imagination to come up with new ways to capitalize on this opportunity.

As per the 2010 Cato Institute paper The Budgetary Implications of Drug Prohibition, the potential size of this industry is in the region of $14 billion – a staggering number for an industry that is expected to grow further and become even more colossal.

As you can see, the prospects of marijuana businesses are certainly on the high. The competition is relatively low, and there are still unexplored areas that creative businesspeople can make the most of. So if you are one of many people who are unable to resist the lucrative charm of this newly legalized industry, there is little reason for you not to go for it. The cash is good, and the there is no lack of ways that this cash can be made.

However, and this is a major however, banking services and other financial institutions haven’t quite embraced this industry as yet. Despite its legalization in several states, the federal government still considers marijuana as an illegal narcotic. The result? Your business is considered high risk, and most financial institutions steer clear of any opportunity to allow you loans or do business with you of any sort.

But, this isn’t your biggest challenge. Your biggest challenge, instead, is getting access to a merchant processing account, without which you are unable to accept credit card payments. It’s almost like a treasure chest right in front of you that you can’t touch. So much cash, and at the same time, so much struggle too. Every business needs a merchant account, but what you also need here is a provider who actually understands you, your business, and its needs. This is what we, at marijuana-merchant-account.com, do best.

At marijuana-merchant-account.com, we are dedicated to getting you the best marijuana payment processing services around, allowing you to immediately start accepting credit cards and making the most of this opportunity. We know the story behind this apparently controversial business of yours and therefore, address all the issues and provide you with just the merchant processing services you are looking for.

All you have to do is reach out to us, and you will be reaping benefits of this emerging and extremely lucrative marijuana industry in no time. At the end of the day, you retain the cash part, while we deal with the struggle. Win-win.

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Why Marijuana Shouldn’t Be A Big Deal

imgresFew things are as controversial and under the debate as the legalization of marijuana. Quite recently, Republicans have tried to form a case of medical marijuana, claiming that the use of the plant should be allowed to treat epilepsy patients. The problem, surprisingly, emerges from a specific characteristic of the cannabis plant. Yes, you guessed it right – the problem policy-makers apparently have with marijuana is its virtually harmless ability to give you a high. Ludicrous, no?

Now this is a little confusing. What about the likes of Xanax and Ativan? What about other prescription pills? What about alcohol? All these are legal because they serve a purpose that outweighs any negative aspect, right? The question, therefore, to be asked is that when such purposes for marijuana are being found, why the hypocrisy?

No one seems to be worried about the buzz that generates from alcohol and the accidents it continues to cause on a daily basis, or how these prescription drugs help you take the edge off. However, when it comes to marijuana, hypocrisy echoes the arguments that favor its prohibition. It is confusing at best, and the arguments that champions of its prohibition present are starting to seem shaky. An example of this is the legalization of this once illegal narcotic in a few, if not all, states.

Truth is, Republicans are pushing for medical marijuana and there seems to be nothing wrong with that. If patients can escape countless hours of suffering at an expense of a little buzz, how is this possibly a bad deal? Moreover, the benefits are not just limited to curing diseases, but this potential legalization also poses a very viable business opportunity for an unexploited niche. Imagine the benefits to the economy.

While selling medical marijuana can certainly be a lucrative venture, it is not without its problems. The biggest issue is that even if you have the legal certification, you will struggle at the hands of different financial institutions, as they will look at your business as a high-risk one. This would mean that you would be left without a merchant processing account, leaving you unable to operate as you will not be able to accept credit card payments.

At marijuana-merchant-account.com, we come to your aid, understanding your business and providing you with the best medical marijuana payment processing services. We are on your side of this debate, and therefore, don’t turn our back on you. If it is a merchant processing account you need, you are in safe hands with us.

As soon as you sign up with us, you can start accepting credit card payments, set your business in the right gear, and start making the most of this newly emerging business of legalized pot.

For Marijuana Payment Solutions, contact us today!

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Exciting Times to Be a Pot Lover

jointThe debate as to whether or not marijuana should be classified as an illegal narcotic is no headline. It has been around for quite some time, and the advocates of both the sides have been fairly vocal. However, it wasn’t until quite recently that the debate was taken seriously, with the voices of its champions echoing the halls where our policy-making decisions are made.

What was once a strictly illegal narcotic is now allowed to be consumed, carried, grown, and sold in small amounts. These changes mark the birth of the legal marijuana industry, becoming the ray of light that pot lovers have waited for since eternity. They no longer have to watch over their shoulders every time they wish to get high. However, when it comes to exciting times, it is not just for those looking to finally get a legal taste of marijuana, but also those who might be interested in taking up the supply side. With its legalization, more people are going to want to turn to marijuana, considering they won’t be thinking about prison while doing so. With greater demand for marijuana comes the need for greater supply. This is where you can get a taste of this potentially lucrative industry.

While it does seem like a lucrative option for potential suppliers of legalized marijuana, anyone looking towards getting a piece of the supply side of this newly emerging legal marijuana industry must acquaint oneself with a major fact – your business will be treated as high risk. It doesn’t matter what argument you have to throw in favor of marijuana and its legalization, your business will be considered risk and so, increased challenges will follow. Even if you are selling medical marijuana, which is a term that refers to the use of the drug strictly for medicinal purpose, the classification of your business as high risk would remain, and so would the potential challenges that accompany this classification.

One such challenge you must be prepared to take on is getting a medical merchant processing account. Higher risk brings with itself lower willingness of merchant account processers to do business with you. These risk-averse entities would rather do with lower risk. But, this puts you into a difficult position – how do you accept credit card payments when you don’t have a merchant processing account?

This is where we come in. At marijuana-merchant-account.com, we understand your business, product, and the issues that others may not be aware of. We understand why your business needs and deserves a merchant processing account, and how we can be of help. Thus, with that in mind, we provide you, and other similar business, with top-notch medical marijuana payment processing services, which have the potential to go and become cornerstones in the future success of your business.

With us at marijuana-merchant-account.com, you can immediately start doing business, accepting credit card payments, and laying down the foundation of something great.

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