Obama Makes it Easy for Marijuana Users

medical marijuana payment processingPresident Barak Obama addressed Kansas City –based KMBC in February about how states could legislate their marijuana laws so that they discourage marijuana use, but don’t impose excessive penalties on recreational users. These comments come at a critical time for marijuana legislation in the country, as a growing number of states are decriminalizing or legalizing the drug. While some states have decided to stick with the current war on weed, others are looking at the drug as a source of new revenue for struggling state.

The comments come after Washington voted to decriminalize the use of small portions of marijuana. Obama defended the move despite the objections of some Republicans. He noted that while states should not encourage marijuana use, they should make a distinction between heavy drug users and recreational users.

Support for marijuana legalization is not only found in the Whitehouse and amongst marijuana users, but is being considered by multiple states in the Union. Desperate state governments are now taxing marijuana, and using the revenue to revamp necessary state programs. Legalization and decriminalization efforts have also cut spending on law enforcement, legal costs, and prison sentences.

Last August, Deputy Attorney General James Cole released a memo that basically ignores the Controlled Substances Act if a specific state has legalized marijuana use. Currently, more than 20 states have either legalized or decriminalized the use of recreational or medical marijuana. Some individuals in these states have started profitable businesses selling medical or recreational marijuana, but are having a difficult time expanding their businesses because most banks refuse to work with them.

In support of the Whitehouse’s position on marijuana, new federal guidelines have made it easier for marijuana merchants to operate without penalty if the state allows it. Still traditional banks believe the new guidelines still place a heavy burden on banks if the marijuana merchants they support turn out to be illegitimate. Therefore, most bank officials have decided to refuse steer clear of marijuana merchants for now.

Without access to a recreational or medical marijuana payment processing, merchants cannot process checks or credit cards. This means that products can only be purchased with cash, limiting merchant potential to expand online.

For fast and dependable medical marijuana merchant accounts, contact us today!

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Virginia Governer Legalizes Liquid Cannabidiol for Epilepsy Patients

State of Virginia map pinVirginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed into law a Virginia bill legalizing cannabidiol for patients suffering from severe epilepsy. Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating form of cannabis that is used to combat certain mental disorders as well as physical conditions. Virginia is now the 12th state in the past year to legalize cannabidiol. Yet, critics of the bill claim that it’s essentially a paper dragon signing as cannabis production is not legal within the state.

Cannabidiol is non-psycho active meaning it does not intoxicate users to feel a high. Unlike THC, this means that users of canibidiol have minimal side effects making it a preferred option among healthcare providers. Cannabidiol does not interfere with mental facilities because it does not use the same pathways within the brain as THC. Cannabidiol even goes so far as to serve as a foil for the negative side effects of THC such as paranoia and and memory impairment.

Research studies on human subjects have been extremely limited with cannabidiol. To date, the overwhelming majority of clinical trials have been on animals. However, in those trials, cannabidiol has shown positive results in reducing nausea and vomiting as well as combating cancer tumors and cells making it a natural research choice for cancer research efforts. It also combats psychosis disorders, is an anti-convulsant, an anti-depressant, and effective against neurodegenerative disorders.

Organizations supporting legalization efforts around the nation decry the bill as useless as cannabis production is illegal in Virginia. Federal law prevents cannabis being transported across state lines meaning that while its use is legal in Virginia, in order to supply it federal law must be broken at some point along the way. This creates a highly risky environment for merchants in an already risky industry.  As it stands now, merchants have a hard enough time finding medical marijuana payment processing for their business much less dealing with Federal laws restricting their supply. The high risk nature of the industry creates complications not present in other industries that further impair the market’s development.

While the headline seems like a positive step, the reality is the lack of reconciliation between state law and Federal law make the signing a moot point. Legalization for cannabidiol is a positive step for medical marijuana patients, but access to cannabidiol remains a risky proposition. Thus, the Virginia Governor’s decision is not widely lauded as a major step forward for legalization efforts within Virginia.

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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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Medical Marijuana Growing Tips

8Are you new to the marijuana industry? Could you use some tips on the marijuana growing process? The following tips are meant to help you as you get started. The goal is to grow the most potent marijuana that is legally possible – a successful product. In order to do this, you need to have a wealth of information at your disposal concerning marijuana seeds, germination, marijuana plant sexing, hydroponic techniques, indoor cultivation, outdoor cultivation, etc.

  • Changing your grow lights is an important task to complete on a yearly basis. Why? If you don’t, the color spectrum effectiveness will lessen over time.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with fertilizers in your grow garden. Doing this will confirm which fertilizer works best for your plants and therefore for your entire garden.
  • Don’t overlook important small details, such as using Ph meters if you are growing hydroponic marijuana. It is crucial in this case to have the correct measurement.
  • Allow your plants to have time and space. If your grow room is in the middle of the night cycle, be sure to led the plants have time on their own.
  • Sterilization is not just for the hospitals. Be sure to sterilize both your clippers and your scissors. Wash your hands regularly as well to cut down on the bacteria and fungus – it is very easy to contaminate your grow room. This point is so crucial that some growers have taken sterilization even further by using a fungicide on seeds both before and during the germination process.
  • Make sure to fulfill your cannabis plants need for fresh air. Like any other being, these plants thrive when they have a routine. Providing adequate ventilation cycles will not only help increase your plants growth rate but also speed the maturity process.

Are you ready to get your foot in the door in this industry? Have you already begun, but have encountered the obstacle of finding a payment process provider that is reliable, reputable and safe? Finding medical marijuana payment processing is not easy with the industry labeled as “high risk”.

With marijuana-merchant-account.com, you will not only find a marijuana merchant account that is suited to your needs, but you will also find an application process that is simple and hassle free. Upon approval, you can expect to receive your funds quickly and without the endless, tedious documentation requirements.

Ready to Grow, let us help with your business funding! Click below to get started below…

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Marijuana Glossary Terms

medical marijuana payment processingNot sure about some of the terms floating around the cannabis industry? What are “edibles”? What is “indica”? This glossary of terms will broaden your understanding of the jargon of the medical and recreational marijuana industry.

Backcross (BX) – this term is used for a hybrid plant that has been bred with one of its parents; this is done in order to create offspring that is closer to the original parent. Doing this maintains rarer strains and can strengthen the ones that have desired recessive genes.

BHOBHO stands for butane hash oil. It is a potent concentrate of cannabinoids; this concentrate is made by dissolving marijuana in its plant form in a solvent. When this is done, it results in a very high THC level product.

Cannabinoidscannabinoids are chemical compounds unique to cannabis. They act upon the body’s receptors to produce various effects such as pain relief; thus, the medical beneficial uses of marijuana.

Cannabis – cannabis is a plant genus that produces three species of flowering plants. They include “Cannabis sativa”, “Cannabis indica” and “Cannabis Ruderalis”.

Co-op – this term is short for cooperative. It refers to a community of patients or consumers that have joined together to share/receive marijuana.

Cross (genetics)a cross occurs when two entirely different plant strains are bred together.

Dab/Dabbing – this term is a slang term and refers to a dose of BHO, which is received through butane combustion and inhalation.

Edibles/Mediblesthese are edible goods that have been medicated – infused with cannabis extracts. These goods include (but not limited to) cookies, brownies, flavored coffee drinks, bread and candies.

Flowering Time – this term refers to the amount of times it takes a plant to produce mature flowers.

Heirloomheirloom refers to a cannabis strain taken from it native homeland and propagated in a new location.

Hybrid a hybrid is a plant that has been genetically crossed between one or more separate strains of cannabis.

Indica – is taken from the scientific cannabis indica. This species is known for its relaxing physical effects and sedative quality. Its origin is the Middle East and Asia.

OG – this term is used to describe many strains; most OGs are different variations of the original OG Kush genetics.

Pre-roll this term refers to a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette.

Shatter/Icethese terms are sometimes used to refer to BHO.

Tincturethis refers to a liquid cannabis. It is usually made with either alcohol or glycerol and dosed with a dropper. It can be placed under the tongue or mixed into a drink.

Vaporizer – this term refer to a device used to consume marijuana. The device heats flowers or marijuana infused oils to a point where a cannabinoid-laced vapor is produced to inhale.

Are you in the process of learning more about what is involved in opening your own marijuana business? Are you unfamiliar with how to find funds to begin such a venture? Are you concerned with the “high risk” element associated with this industry?

Fortunately, there are providers out there that are willing to work with you. In fact, there are providers that offer medical marijuana payment processing despite the “high risk” aspect of the industry. With marijuana-merchant-account.com, the process to apply for a medical marijuana merchant account is fast, simple and hassle free.

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How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in California

medical marijuana payment processingThere is a fine line that must be followed for those who wish to open and operate a medical marijuana dispensary in the state of California. From a legal standpoint, it is a very risky venture. On the federal level, marijuana is still illegal. It is still listed and classified as a “Schedule I” substance; this means that the drug has a high potential for abuse and/or no currently accepted medical use in the United States.

Thus, even if you are operating in a proper, business-like manner in growing, cultivating or distributing, you are still violating federal law. If you are determined to open a marijuana dispensary in California, you must prepare yourself wisely by considering several issues and implicating certain measures.

In order to open a dispensary there are certain specific steps you must research and be aware of so that you are in accordance with California law.

  • Your business must have the classification of being a non-profit organization,
  • You must make sure that you follow state and local protocols required of any new business,
  • And be sure to form and maintain good relationships with state and local government as well as any law enforcement agencies.

The last thing you want to do is fail to abide by any rules and violate California’s marijuana laws. Some of the laws you could be guilty of breaking are possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales, sales of transportation of marijuana or cultivation of marijuana.

Failure to adhere to laws could land you in federal court and subject you to federal prosecution. There really isn’t a specific legalization that recognizes medical marijuana “dispensaries”. It is the MMP that grants authority to “co-ops”.

According to Shouse Law Group, the “California Health and Safety Code 11362.775 states that medical marijuana patients and primary caregivers may ‘associate within the State of California in order collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes’”.

The strict guidelines and requirements that must be followed in order to comply with state legislation include:

  • Filing articles of incorporation under the Corporations or Food and Agricultural Code.
  • Obtaining and using the proper forms.
  • Regulating your membership to prove compliance with state regulations.
  • Carefully regulating that you are only buying and selling marijuana from members.
  • Complying with the status of “non-profit” by being mindful of your sales prices.
  • Carefully tracking your marijuana to prevent potential criminal liability.
  • Establishing security practices to keep things as “neighborhood friendly” as possible.

If opening up a dispensary in California is something you’re interested in, be sure to consider every law, regulation and detail. Finding funds and payment processing can be difficult still, even with the legalization that has occurred in some states. With marijuana still illegal on the federal level, traditional financial systems continue to be wary of aiding any medical marijuana business.

Fortunately, there are payment processing providers out there that are willing to work with businesses that are considered “high risk”. They offer safe and efficient payment processing solutions. With marijuana-merchant-account.com, these services are provided without the endless documentation – the process is fast, simple and hassle free. Consider applying for a marijuana merchant account today.

Let us help you open your dispensary today!

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Medical Marijuana Breeding just as Attractive as Growing

medical marijuana payment processingDespite the use of marijuana still being illegal on the federal level, businesses still continue to grow and prosper under the legalization of the substance in some states. Some growers have gone as far as beginning to breed. Breeding is becoming just as important and attractive in the industry as growing.

According to High Times writer, Harry Resin, a grower located in Amsterdam has been involved in marijuana growing for some time. This grower, Soma, began breeding in Florida as early as 1974. The warm temperatures of Florida seem to help the growing process immensely.

So far, Soma has been able to harvest seeds of his own after planting many different varieties. The seeds he has used include Thai, Laotian, Asian, Afghan and Cambodian. He has discovered that crossing two plants results in a stronger and more potent product than its parents. Even better, these plants yielded larger buds that were also frostier.

For many, the breeding aspect of cannabis has become more exciting and addicting than the harvesting part of the business. There are several breeding tips you should consider, in light of the experiences of breeders and growers like Soma:

  • Be sure to double check the seeds. When you receive a pack of seeds, be sure that you check and determine approximately when they will be finished.
  • Be careful not to make watering mistakes. Over watering is a beginner’s mistake in this business and will definitely cost you dearly.
  • Over fertilizing is also a mistake that is made often. When this happens, the whole crop of perfectly good seed can be ruined.
  • When in doubt, let it flower longer. Even if you feel that the buds look ready, it is very easy to pick them too early. By waiting a week longer, you are more likely to pick them when they are at their maximum yield and flavor.

Are you one of the many entrepreneurs seeking to enter the medical marijuana business? Have you begun the process of growing and harvesting? If you have, you’ve probably also discovered how difficult it can be to secure funds and safe payment processing in this industry. Things have come a long way for medical and recreational marijuana, but there are still many obstacles to overcome.

With marijuana-merchant-account.com, you can expect to receive your funds quickly and hassle free. Spend more time refining your skills and less time worrying about paperwork and how you can make the purchasing experience stress free for your customers. Medical marijuana payment processing could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Contact us for medical marijuana payment processing…

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