Category Archives: Oregon Marijuana

Legalization of Oregon Recreational Marijuana Could Mean Big Bucks for Dispensaries

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Oregon sign with marijuana leafThe medical marijuana industry is waiting for Gov. Kate Brown to sign a bill into law that would allow the state’s 310 dispensaries to sell recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana dispensary owners are hoping the bill goes into effect as many are struggling to keep their doors open. The problem is that the Oregon market is extremely saturated with producers of medical cannabis who are fighting over a limited supply of medical cannabis patients.

The bill would allow existing dispensaries to decide between being medical marijuana distributors or recreational distributors. Recreational dispensaries would be allowed to sell up to a quarter-ounce of flower to customers or four non-flowering plants at once. The ability to sell recreational marijuana would keep many dispensaries afloat, and even expand the industry in Oregon. Both in-state and visitor demand could lead to sales that could be tripled or quadrupled if the bill passes. There is an estimated 1 million recreational consumers in Oregon. Plus dispensary owners think that recreational use would increase tourism, especially from Washington State, which could bring in millions of dollars.

Currently, the average gram in Washington costs between $25 and $30, while in Oregon MMJ prices stand at $8-$10. These lower prices could be enough to attract substantial tourism from the neighboring states. Still recreational facilities may not get rich quick. Under the bill, the state could impose a 25% sales tax on recreational marijuana. There may also be government fees for dispensaries, plus Oregon’s health agency could also introduce more fees and rules. Also rec stores will almost certainly be taxed at a higher rate than medical marijuana dispensaries. Whether or not marijuana distributors will see profits from recreational marijuana is yet to be seen until the bill is signed by the Governor.

If recreational marijuana is allowed in Oregon, dispensaries will need competent medical marijuana payment processing. The marijuana payment solutions provided by MMA will help grow your company’s business by giving your customers more ways to pay for your products. Learn more about expanding your customer’s payment options beyond cash.

For Marijuana payment Solutions contact us today!

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Retail Marijuana Sales May Start Early in Oregon

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Oregon sign with marijuana leafOregon merchants and consumers, rejoice! There is a chance that retail marijuana sales may start early – in fact, one year early. While there was a 15 month hold for retailers, the state may waive the hold, and sales may start as early as October 2015. This isn’t far away, and if you are a merchant, this is great news.

However, there is first the issue of who can sell legalized marijuana in Oregon. If signed by Gov. Kate Brown, the bill, SB 460, would allow licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon to sell limited amounts of marijuana to customers that are over the age of 21 as soon as October 1, 2015. The bill that legalized recreational marijuana, Measure 91, stated that the Oregon Liquor Control Commission would not start accepting commercial retail license applications until January 4, 2016. This is a big difference, but regardless of what type of legalized marijuana merchant you want to be, you need to begin the steps to legally sell the product.

While obtaining licenses and permits of the state and local level is imperative to a good start, you also need to be sure that you thoroughly check out all of your employees. In fact, check them out before they are employees. While asking questions during an interview sometimes heed the answers you need, you need to do background checks. Yes, this is costly, but thankfully there are websites you can go to do a free preliminary search to check out your employees. I’m not talking about Facebook, but rather local court websites. Most have an online docket where you can look up a person and their criminal (or civil) history for free.

You also need to make sure that you have a reliable marijuana payment processor, as well. This can be hard to find, since the state-legal industry is still federally illegal. There are few that exist that focus solely on the legalized marijuana – medical and retail – market, and you need to be sure that whomever you choose is right for your business. Be sure to do your research, as a marijuana payment processor is one of the most important investments you will make.

For Oregon Marijuana Merchant Processing contact us today!

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