The Newest Medical Marijuana Craze: Pets on Pot

Posted on February 7, 2017 by admin

high risk marijuana merchant accounts What do you think about when the term “medical marijuana” comes up? Cancer patients? Fibromyalgia? Pets? The latter is probably not going to be one of the first things that hits your mind, but more and more people are turning to legalized marijuana in various forms to help heal and calm their cats and dogs. Does it work? Perhaps – but the idea is novel and it can help boost your business.

Animal lovers who have turned to cannabis-based products to alleviate a host of pet maladies, including seizures, inflammation, anxiety and pain, are reporting similar results. Although they have not been approved by regulators, marijuana-based treatments are being used not only for cats and dogs, but for pigs, horses and domesticated wild animals. From treats and chewable sticks made from hemp to CBD oil that can be given internally, there are many options for pet moms and dads to give to their fur baby.

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved cannabis for pets, in part because there is little research showing its effectiveness. Veterinarians are not allowed to write prescriptions for the products and, in states where marijuana is illegal, are wary of discussing the idea. Last year, a proposed state law was defeated in Nevada that would have made it possible for veterinarians to prescribe cannabis to pets with chronic illnesses. Still, users swear by the products. And that’s what counts, after all.

So, what does this mean for the average marijuana merchant? Well, this gives you a brand new customer base. Every if pet parents are not wanting to light up or vape themselves, offering a natural alternative to help ease their pet’s pain or mood issues can bring you a new bunch of customers. However, you need to make sure that whomever you are getting your goods from is legit – because there have been so many recalls on poorly made and contaminated pet treats. Do your research as a marijuana merchant, and with good product and good marketing your customer base will boom in no time at all.

Arkansas Voters Can Decide on Medical Marijuana

Posted on January 10, 2017 by admin

Medical Marijuana Payment Processing With all of the states voting on medical marijuana, either this year or the years’ past, did you ever think that Arkansas would be one of these? A Bible belt state that is one of the most conservative in the US, Arkansas voters will decide in a few short weeks if medical marijuana will be legalized. While this is sure to be controversial, medical marijuana has been successful in over 20 other states – and their governments are reaping the tax benefits.

Even those lawmakers who are against the purpose of the legalized pot agree that the tax revenue is great. While this will not curb illegal marijuana sales, it can help a growing number of people who are turning to green ways of tolerating their pain and ailments. From migraines to MS, and even cancer, many ailments are treated with medical marijuana. So, what’s the problem here? Well, it’s the marijuana itself. In this wrong hands, it can turn into a recreational drug. And many fear doctors who will prescribe it for any alleged ailment without proper testing to determine an ailment. Well, these doctors do exist – but they are few and far between.

Another issue comes with merchants themselves. Merchants need a way to process payments, and without a good marijuana merchant account, merchants are basically out of luck. That being said, not all marijuana merchant accounts are alike. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to make sure that your merchant account provider actually understands your industry. This is a big issue with state-based merchant account providers who jump at a new industry – but haven’t a clue about the issues involved.

Yes, all industries have an issue, but medical marijuana and legalized recreational marijuana businesses have more than the average “high risk” business. One big issue is the lack of banking support, thanks to the Fed’s classification of any type of marijuana as illegal. So, you will need an educated merchant account provider to help you find the right sources to help your business become the best that it can be.

What We Know About Marijuana Legalization

Posted on January 6, 2017 by admin

legalmarijuananowlogo As Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada prepare to vote on marijuana legalization next month, all eyes are on the initial outcomes of those states that have already legalized marijuana. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first two U.S. states – and the first two jurisdictions in the world – to approve ending marijuana prohibition and legally regulating marijuana production, distribution and sales. In the 2014 election, Alaska and Oregon followed suit, while Washington D.C. passed a more limited measure that legalized possession and home cultivation of marijuana. However, any type of legalization is great for those who need it – and with more and more studies showing the positive effects of medical marijuana, more and more people can use it and reap the benefits.

Other states, such as Georgia, have a limited CBD oil usage for those with severe seizure ailments. But with more and more states legalizing medical or recreational marijuana in some form or another, and more and more people in favor of some form of legalization, everyone can reap the benefits. Taxes are higher on legalized marijuana than other products, and the tax money is used to renovate infrastructure, schools, and even teach those about the negative effects of illicit drugs and alcohol.

This benefits everyone, but some are still hesitant to embrace the rewards that legalized marijuana and medical marijuana can bring to the States. The Feds, for one, still have marijuana in any form categorized as an illegal drug, so that makes it nearly impossible to have any federal help business-wise. It also makes it nearly impossible to get a loan from a bank to help a growing or budding dispensary out, since the Feds regulate the banks.

But, the worst thing that a merchant can do is to have a “cash only” business. There are options to help you accept plastic card payments: A marijuana merchant account. They do exist, but you still need to make sure that the one that you choose truly understands the business, and isn’t just out for their own benefit.

Nationwide Support Grows for Legalized Marijuana

Posted on December 16, 2016 by admin

Indoor Marijuana Grow Room with Plants in Soil Under Lights With many states offering up legalized recreational or medical pot on their ballots this week, nationwide support is growing for its legality. According to the Pew Research Center, 57 percent of U.S. adults say the use of marijuana should be made legal, while 37 percent say it should be illegal. Ten years ago just 32 percent favored legalization, while 60 percent were opposed.

Traditionally, young adults have been behind the shift of public support, but now support is rising among millennials and baby boomers as well. Another big factor is results. With more and more of us wanting natural remedies to combat our ailments and illnesses, marijuana is leading the charge – and often with the best results.

25 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico offer legalized medical marijuana, and between recreational marijuana and medical marijuana it is on the ballot this week in 9 other states. But, what happens if it does pass? What will change? Well, for one many more Americans can buy their much-needed and much-wanted medical marijuana.

And for merchant, the opportunity to open a dispensary arises. But here in lies the issues. It can not only be hard to get your dispensary opened, but also to get it funded and toy accept anything other than cash payments. Since this industry is still in the “high risk” category, it can be hard to find a cooperative marijuana merchant account provider – but it isn’t totally impossible. You just need to know what to look for.

You need to look for a processor that understands the industry. You need to know that they understand that it is a tough industry, and that the Fed’s still hate it and make it tougher every day for merchants to become successful. You need to know that they are looking out for your best interests – and not just their own financial needs.

Once you find this merchant account provider, you still need to make sure that they truly understand the issues in the business, and that they keep up on all changes that come along.

Summary: More and more Americans are wanting legalized pot. In this article, you will learn how this can benefit merchants across the States.

MMA Provides Credit Card Processing for Cannabis Medical Merchants

Posted on August 12, 2016 by admin

Marijuana merchant (MMA) recently announced that it now offers credit card processing solutions for medical cannabis merchants. In the past, only retail dispensaries were able to utilize MMA’s PIN based programs, due to industry regulations. Now, MMA can offer wireless payment processing services through its PIN system for delivery or mobile dispensaries; this new solution allows mobile dispensaries to accept payments on the go.

Securing credit card processing for cannabis medical merchants is a very big struggle. Traditional sources quickly shy away from the MMJ industry and refuse to offer their services. Even if they would like to welcome their business, current regulations make it difficult, if not impossible. This forces merchants to resort to a cash-only business, while other industries considered “high risk” enjoy credit card processing.

With MMA, on the other hand, cannabis medical merchants can have their funds from transactions deposited into their accounts every 24-48 hours – regardless of their “high risk” business type. Thus, allowing merchants to avoid keeping excessive cash on hand and cancel out the temptation for thieves. MMA’s simple, streamlined application process, low rates and quality customer service has made it one of the fastest growing payment processing websites on the Internet.

According to MMA, “We provide safe and secure credit and debit card payment processing using our PIN based program designed specifically for the MMJ industry. Dispensaries have faced many challenges when trying to start accepting electronic payments at their locations.”

“Our merchant advisers can answer all your questions and recommend solutions that will help your business reach its financial goals.”

Located in Los Angeles, CA, Marijuana Merchant Account’s (MMA) expert team have been and continue to be strong advocates of the medical marijuana industry. Their solutions – specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the MMJ industry – have made it both easier and safer for patients to access their medicine. MMA is dedicated to providing the very best in electronic payment processing to the medical marijuana industry.

Grassroots Unions a Product of Legalized Marijuana Also Use Marijuana Payment Solutions

Posted on March 3, 2016 by admin

Medical Marijuana Payment Processing Legalized marijuana has brought a lot of changes to the twenty-two states have offer it. From increased tax revenues, to less drug crime, to more creative pot products, the changes are endless. Other issues were not great, such as the lack of trained employees and lack of marijuana payment solutions. However, while these changes were (mostly) foreseen, the rise of grassroots unions was not. As great as unions are for organizing fair working environments and wages, there are issues that are bound to arise when it comes to talks of unionization of marijuana workers.

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) has committed substantial resources to organizing cannabis employees, but issues arise because the federal government still considered marijuana, in any form, an illegal substance. This is further complicated by the fact that federal law usually trumps state and local law in courts. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (NLRA), according to federal law, can override any state laws that conflict with its provisions. As of the writing of this article the NLRB has not challenged these grassroots unions, but legislative pressure could change that. There are multiple ways that these unions could organize their workers without federal input. For instance, they could organize as public-sector employees with their collective bargaining rights controlled by the state. This makes more sense than a federal union approach, since less than half of the fifty states have legalized it in some form.

While employment is typically the easy part, the impeding unionization of growers, harvesters, processors, and distributors can lead to big problems if you are not familiar with the unionization. Merchants should research before setting out to open a marijuana shop. Even those wishing to operate medicinal marijuana dispensaries need to know these issues, because their employees will also be affected. Unionization is great, but sometimes workers are not willing to work under what they may perceive as “strict” conditions. Regulation of this industry is something that keeps marijuana payment solution companies and lenders from helping out their neighborhood merchants, and unionization can help lend a hand to showing it is a legit and profitable industry.

Contact us today for Marijuana payment Solutions

Why Cannabis Needs Regulation

Posted on December 15, 2015 by admin

opinion_on_marijuana_laws_shifting_1144170000_20130702231647_640_480 As cannabis is legalized across the country, manufacturers are searching for ways to legitimize their products through packaging. Currently, the industry is comprised of a patchwork of state-level regulations that regulate taxes, manufacturing, methods of consumption, labeling and more. Cannabis industry professionals believe that setting a national standard for labeling will empower consumers to purchase their products and ease the minds of potential customers.

With legalization on the horizon, manufacturers see long-term value in establishing labeling practices that consumers and regulators understand and trust. That’s why companies like CLS Holdings USA Inc. (OTCQB: CLSH) is working to implement comprehensive standards for the legal cannabis industry.

Strict Adherence to Regulation Language

The Cannabis industry must take the ambiguity out of regulations requirements. Language that gives companies room to avoid important requirements must be eliminated. To create strict regulatory guidelines, all companies must be held to the same standards with comprehensive language and strong verbiage like ‘must’ and ‘always.’

Process and Procedures

Standard operating procedures are at the heart of best practices for any industry. If manufacturers, investors, and advocates want to expedite federal legalization, then the industry must prove that it is a serious contender with concrete standards. Uniformity in production, testing, risk, distribution, and other procedures are the backbone of a company and ensure its continued existence beyond the original entrepreneurs.

Third-Party Verification

Consumers must trust that cannabis companies are trustworthy. This trust can only come from third party verification. They must believe that the products they are purchasing have been independently tested and certified by a third-party lab. This gives products more legitimacy.

Use Familiar Label Techniques

CLS Holdings is using the FDA’s regulations on labeling for other products to develop standards in anticipation of federal legalization. The company is giving the cannabis consumer a detailed profile of the nutritional facts and contents of its products.

Marijuana Merchant Account (MMA) offers a variety of marijuana payment solutions like debit cards, credit cards, and more. We are a leading source of medical marijuana payment processing and recreational marijuana payment processing. Be prepared for full legalization with consumer trusted standards and consumer trusted payment solutions.

Contact us at to open Medical Marijuana Payment Processing today

Why Financial Institutions Fear Offering Medical Marijuana Payment Processing

Posted on September 28, 2015 by admin

There has been much talk over why marijuana businesses need marijuana payment solutions. Much has been debated and discussed concerning why it is not safe or practical for these businesses to have to operate in cash only. However, not much has been said about why most financial institutions fear banking with cannabis businesses so much.

Understanding some of the challenges that banks and credit unions face can help to identify and develop the solutions needed to address the problem(s). In fact, much is being done on the federal and local levels, by companies, government authorities and financial institutions to find solutions. Some of the primary issues include risk, work, and profitability.

Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. Because of this, banking for the cannabis industry is automatically risky for any financial institution and its governing board. A lot of time and work is required in fully understanding and meet the federal regulations that are involved. In the end, there may not be enough profit to justify the work and risk involved.

The problem is not that banks do not wish to offer their services. Many regional and community banks have expressed that they would like to service the cannabis industry. While federal law does not prohibit financial institutions from accepting cannabis accounts, the financial regulatory system imposes so many requirements it makes the idea seemingly impossible.

Some of the risks involved for financial institutions that work with the cannabis industry include: (1) the potential criminal liability, (2) the withdrawal of deposit insurance by the FinCEN, (3) the sudden seizure of assets, (4) the vulnerability of loan collateral, and (5) the increased exposure to civil lawsuits. In most cases, the reward simply does appear to outweigh the risk.

In addition to the research and training that must be done, there is much more “busy” work to do as well. Financial institutions must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act requirement that a Suspicious Activities Report (SAR) is filed on substantial or frequent cash transactions ($10,000 and above). The institution is only given 30 days to verify the transaction as legitimate. Otherwise, a report must be filed. In addition, the cost for the financial institution for filling each SAR can range anywhere from $50 to $200.

There are three different levels of SARs:

“Marijuana Limited” SARS are filed if a business is involved with or related to the production, distribution or sale of cannabis but not in violation of state law or Cole Memorandum; this SAR simply provides the FinCen with identifying information and addresses.

“Marijuana Priority” SARs would be filed if a financial institution suspects that one of the Cole Memorandum’s priorities has been violated.

“Marijuana Termination” SARs are filed whenever a financial institution terminates a marijuana related account.

The deciding question is this: is it possible for a financial institution to service a state-legal cannabis industry, meet Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or National Credit Union Administration, Federal Reserve, and Justice Department requirements, and still make money? You can see now why many financial institutions question whether or not it is worth the risk to offer marijuana processing solutions to businesses. This is also why many leaders in the industry are so adamant that change must first take place on the federal level before the industry can really make progress with the banks.

Securing Payment Processing Solutions for Marijuana Dispensaries

Posted on September 25, 2015 by admin

One of the biggest hurtles for the marijuana industry is payment processing. Until marijuana is no longer classified as an illegal Schedule I drug, financial institutions will continue to be faced with regulatory issues when it comes to approving a cannabis account. However, there are some tips that might help you in establishing a positive relationship with a financial institution – they may even allow you to obtain an account.

Comply with your state’s regulations. One of the best steps you can take to demonstrate your compliance with the state’s regulations is to have copies of successful state regulatory agency inspections; this includes any third-party compliance assessment reports. Another step in the right direction would be to include having a designated compliance officer or company actively monitor operations. Be sure to also train staff in all compliance issues. Any compliance training should also be documented.

Before you go, be prepared. Before you leave for the bank, slip the following documents into your briefcase to take with you:

Federal & state tax returns – presenting tax returns shows the institution that you are properly reporting your income from operations.

State & local licenses – these documents will prove that operating legally within your state and local governments is important to you.

Business financial records – include annual summaries of profit and loss statements and balance sheets. Supplying such information will reassure the institution of your willingness for transparency.

Personal financial records – include personal financial statements and tax returns. Again, doing so will show the bank your transparency, and that they do not have to worry about money laundering or other criminal activity.

Understand that there will be additional fees. Institutions are obligated to cover the cost of regulatory reporting requirements of the Justice, Treasury and other Federal and State departments and agencies. As the institution gains more experience concerning your account – and the industry itself – these costs will likely change.

Be transparent in what you are. Whatever you do, do NOT hide the fact that you are in the cannabis industry from an institution. It is tempting to think about doing so in light of the current climate of the financial industry. In truth, most financial institutions do want your account. They are just unsure of how to tell who is “good” and worth the additional scrutiny they will receive.

Pick the right type of financial institution. Whether you secure marijuana payment processing through a smaller community institution, a larger regional or national institution or through an online high risk provider, be sure you find the solution that best fits your needs. Many times, even after dotting ever “I” and crossing every “T”, traditional institutions will still turn you away. In this case, many have turned to the alternative high risk payment processor for their marijuana payment processing needs – taking advantage of their specialized services.

Keep in mind that, even if cannabis is removed from Schedule I under the Controlled Substance Act, banks won’t automatically open their vaults for your deposits. The concerns about Suspicious Activities Reports and Anti Money Laundering Regulations will remain. The best thing you can do is to be thorough and transparent. Don’t be afraid to explore all of your marijuana payment processing options.

Contact MMA for all your Marijuana Payment Processing needs.

Merchant Account Services Offer Marijuana Growers Relief

Posted on September 23, 2015 by admin

As fires rage across the U.S., it isn’t just farmers and ranchers that are being affected. The marijuana industry is also struggling with the devastating effects of wildfire season. While some growers have been spared from the fires, others have not been so fortunate.

At the beginning of September, 65 fires were reported to be raging across the U.S. The fires were also reported to have claimed over 8 million acres of land. The states particularly affected by these fires are Montana, California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. One of the most destructive fires, located in Northern California, claimed at least 585 homes and hundreds of other structures.

These fires, paired with the present drought situation, have made things very bleak for those whose livelihoods depend on the land located in these areas. For those affected, water has become more than a necessity. It is now a luxury. For the state of California, 2015 is the fourth year of record breaking drought. Governor Jerry Brown declared a drought State of Emergency in January 2015, which was accompanied by strict conservation measures statewide.

Timothy Anderson is the purchasing manager for Harborside Health Center. A medical marijuana dispensary based out of Oakland California. According to Anderson, the majority of his suppliers are located in the lower end of what is known as the Emerald Triangle. The Emerald Triangle is an area comprising three counties at the tip of Northern California. It is known for producing some of the country’s best buds; such as, strains like Mendocino Purps and Humboldt Headband. The economy of the Emerald Triangle really depends on the marijuana growers and their reputation for producing these popular strains.

With road closures, it has been difficult for suppliers to get their product to market. Other suppliers are situated in the midst of the blaze’s danger zone. However, many of these brave growers refuse to leave their farms. Not only would they be leaving it to the mercy of the fires, but also to neglect. The drought issue requires irrigation lines and reservoirs to be monitored continuously.

There are also many indirect affects that the wildfires have had on marijuana growth. For one, smoke has become a real problem. Residual smoke can seep into the marijuana plant’s flowers, causing the smell and taste of the weed to be altered. The smoke also blocks the light, causing the plants to flower too early.

The devastating fires are not the only hurtle that the marijuana industry is dealing with. Marijuana businesses are struggling all the way to the bank. Even though the sale of marijuana may be legal in some of the states, as far as the banks are concerned, the money is from illegal drug money – they won’t touch it. Marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I drug and is therefore illegal on the federal level.

As a result, marijuana businesses are forced to deal only in cash, which is obviously not practical or safe. Unless Congress steps in and changes federal drug and drug-trafficking laws, this will continue to be a roadblock for businesses. In order to operate safely, marijuana businesses really need to be able to secure payment processing.

Thankfully, high risk payment processors have stepped in to fill this gap. A marijuana merchant account is specifically tailored to meet the needs of a marijuana businesses. A marijuana merchant account allows a business to process all of its credit card payments for a low rate and in a safe and secure manner. In addition, unlike all of the red tape experienced when applying with a traditional source, applying for a marijuana merchant account is fast, simple and hassle-free.

Talk to us about marijuana merchant account services today!

Company :
Name :
Email :
Phone :
Time Zone :
Volume :
Type :

Category Archives: Marijuana Merchant Account