Lessons from the Business Executive – Marijuana Business Funding

MarijuanaThere’s a reason why people like to say “been there, done that”. Someone who has learned how to handle a situation, or a business, has done so with a lot of trial and error. Yes, some things were figured out easily. But a lot of things in life, and in business, are learned the hard way. For those who have experienced success in the marijuana industry, there is no exception.

Thoroughly understand the concept of margins and gross margins

If you sell $100,000 worth of products and your cost for those products is $65,000, your gross profit is $35,000. Your gross profit margin is 35 percent. Thus, to find your gross profit, you subtract inventory costs from sales.

When making purchases for your store, you need to consider the cost of those products along with gross margins. In order to make wise purchases, you must consider approximately what margins you need to make based on your sales and expenses. In balancing your inventory with a combination of higher and lower margin products, you can achieve some flexibility.

Keep in mind that lower margin products can sometimes bring prestige to your store. Highly valued and sought after strains of cannabis also means that growers will charge more for pounds. In order to offset these lower margin products, a business can buy some less expensive, higher margin product.

Obtain and Maintain the Right Inventory

One of the most important aspects of successfully running a marijuana dispensary is having the right inventory; this also involves choosing the right inventory manager. They must be a real weed “geek” in that they can recognize strains and subpar trim jobs. Years of experience and a passion for the job are involved in acquiring such a skill set.

A good inventory manager must also know the market. What strains are currently the most sought-after? What new products are up and coming?

The optimal inventory will change from state to state, area to area, and shop to shop. Whether the inventory is recreational or medical based will matter as well. One fact is true across the board – the right mix of flower, concentrates and edibles is essential.

Overcome the banking challenges of the industry

Banking has and continues to be one of the biggest challenges for the marijuana industry. Although the acceptance of cannabis has come a long way, it is still illegal on the federal level. As a result, banks tend to turn and run the other way.

If you find a bank in your state willing to work with you, jump on the opportunity. For the majority of businesses however, this is not the case. It goes without saying that operating in cash is simply inconvenient and incredibly unsafe.

To find solutions tailored to the industry and to avoid operating in cash only, businesses are turning to high risk providers for their marijuana business funding needs. High risk processors specialize in working with industries considered high risk. Their application processes are also simple, fast and hassle-free. Basic documentation is required, unlike the endless red tape you will likely experience with traditional institutions.

Take advantage of the information from those who have “been there, done that”. Maintaining the right inventory, watching your margins and securing business funding will strengthen your business. Don’t let mediocre inventory and banking challenges hold you back.

Contact us for Marijuana Business Funding Today!

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Plans for Recreational Marijuana Regulations in California Begin

imgresIt is well known that medical cannabis is big business for California. However, California’s history with the regulation of medical marijuana has been described as being subpar and disjointed, at best. After the fiscal analysis by the office of California Attorney General Kamala Harris was released, a Stanford Law class decided to draw up their own report analysis that outlines what the state should do to ensure that regulation, taxes and distribution of recreational marijuana is done properly.

The report, Analyzing Alternative Laws & Policies for Psychoactive Drugs Seminar, was presented by Stanford Law Professor Robert J. MacCoun’s law practicum. The report states that the intentions and the conclusions of the paper were not aimed at providing a recommended policy. The goal was to inform the public debate and highlight certain, important issues that might not have been otherwise widely recognized and understood.

The report covers three main areas: labor relations, regulation and taxation. While the nine students in the practicum did not adopt specific positions, they did draw some specific conclusions concerning these issues.  For example, in their opinion, one of the most pressing issues is the tension that continues to build between federal prohibition and state legalization.

One of the proposed solutions is to regulate and enforce laws through a single, integrated agency. This agency can be an existing state organization or a newly formed independent commission. Another option is to enforce and regulate laws through utilizing the strength of multiple agencies. This conclusion was drawn from the troubled history California has with trying to regulate medical marijuana. The thought of a powerful, well-informed (preferably independent) agency regulating recreational marijuana is thought to be a step in the right direction.

The report when on to cite the numerous tax bases that are being utilized in Colorado and Washington where recreational marijuana is already legal. The pros and cons of a high and low tax rate were then examined. A high rate was felt to limit the negative consequences that are associated with marijuana consumption. On the other hand, it could limit the amount consumed. Too low of a tax rate could mean that the government cannot obtain a meaningful revenue. On the other hand, it could help to eliminate the black market.

With the possibility that a ballot initiative could be passed for recreational marijuana in November 2016, the race is on to answer these important questions and set up a structure in the state of California that works better for recreational marijuana than the structure for medical marijuana has been.

For the sake of the marijuana businesses, many are hoping that the divide between federal and state will be one of the first issues to be addressed. Entrepreneurs are struggling to even get their businesses started since banks are hesitant to offer merchant accounts with the regulations they must follow on the federal level. For now, businesses continue to turn to marijuana business funding as an alternative solution to their payment processing needs.

For Marijuana Business Funding contact us today!

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Marijuana Merchants, You Can Get Business Funding!

woman holding two paper bags with moneyLegalized marijuana sales are on the rise, and this is a great time to hop into the industry. While the sales are great, and the business earnings are great, it can be tough to break into the business. Even in areas where the legalization has been accepted, there are still issues with opening a legalized marijuana shop. While your local and state government is an obstacle, finding business funding is another elephant.

Marijuana business funding is a pain. It is tough to fund your own business, and it can be even tougher to find a bank or loan provider to provide you with a loan. A loan is a bad idea for any new or struggling business, but it is often the first place merchants go when they are in need of extra money. With a business loan, the payback process starts almost immediately, and the loan provider does not care if your business is succeeding. All they care about is getting their loan repaid, which will not happen if your business is still struggling. Because of this, many merchants are worse off than before they took out a loan.

To avoid this hassle, merchants should search for business funding. Business funding is different from a loan, because, well, it is not a loan. The application process is simple, as this is not a loan process. All you need to apply is a copy of your driver’s license, a copy of a voided check, a copy of your lease or landlord contract, and 3 months’ worth of business bank statements and plastic card processing statements. That is all that you need – and everything is more than likely in your office right now. Along with the seamless application process comes a quick acceptance, many times within 5-7 business days.

Most businesses need funding to get started, or to come out of a slump. Legalized marijuana businesses have the hardest time finding funding for the businesses, due to its “high risk” labeling in the banking and processing industry. Before applying or accepting any type of business funding, be sure to ask questions, and do not feel obligated to sign up for something that you feel is not right for you or your company.

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Smoking Marijuana Outside of Work Hours can Still Get You Fired in Colorado

jointColorado ruled in favor of legalizing cannabis, yet workers still need to remain cautious about using it. Businesses retain the right to fire employees who use marijuana, even outside of work hours. It’s up to each individual business to decide whether or not casual use of marijuana outside of work is permitted. Companies can legally perform drug tests at any given moment to determine whether or not their employees are using the drug.

The subject gained a lot of interest after a quadriplegic man from Colorado was fired from his job at Dish Network. He tested positive for the use of marijuana, which is against the company’s policies. Many have protested and debated this issue saying that the state has legalized it and he was clearly using it for medicinal purposes. Nonetheless, the state of Colorado still allows companies the freedom to choose whether or not their employees can use cannabis.

Cannabis Businesses are Still High Risk

Although the state has decriminalized the drug, businesses in the cannabis industry still remain high risk businesses. These businesses still need to search for marijuana business funding from specialized investors in order to get their business off the ground. Banks don’t like putting their trust into marijuana businesses due to the legal issues on a federal level.

As high risk businesses, the marijuana industry will continue struggling with these types of issues. If marijuana was similar to beer on a legal standing point, this would never be an issue. No company has the right to refuse employees to drink a cold beer when they go home after a long day at work, but it definitely is the case with marijuana.

So what’s to come from this? Most likely, companies will continue having the right to request drugs tests for many years to come. However, this may eventually come to a haul once the federal government decriminalizes marijuana and places it on a similar level to alcohol. If this were to ever happen, then employees would most likely be permitted to smoke marijuana without any risks of losing their jobs.

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California Advances two Bills Regulating Medical Marijuana

Marijuana Business FundingMedical and recreational marijuana is big news in all states. From the legalization of cannabis oil for terminally ill patients in Georgia, to legalized recreational marijuana in Colorado, the topics and talk are endless. While states and consumers are embracing this legalization, you need to remember that any type of marijuana containing THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol is still federally illegal. The potent, and thus illegal, chemical compound is long been proven effective for managing pain in patients who have terminal conditions, ranging from cancer to AIDS.

Luckily, the state of California has recognized this, and they have pushed forward two bills that help regulate the industry. This bill creates a framework for governing the medical cannabis industry, from establishing tax structures and quality controls to licensing dispensaries and cultivation sites. A Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation established within the existing Department of Consumer Affairs would oversee the industry. It sounds like a great plan, and a plan that should be able to help the businesses more successful. The second bill, AB 266, would spread the responsibility for licensing different aspects of medical marijuana across several state agencies, including the Board of Equalization and the departments of Public Health and Food and Agriculture. Local governments would oversee growing and selling marijuana. This works as well, and many love the “local’ aspect to this bill. Not all areas are the same, both economically and socially, so this more localized option may fare better.

One of this bills will pass, as the state needs better control of their legalized marijuana market. That being said all legalized marijuana merchants need to have control of their companies. This starts with a good business plan and following local regulations. This also starts with how you operate your business. Few start out with the funds needed to fully provide for all of its business needs, so a good marijuana business funding source is needed. It can be hard to locate one that is equipped to deal with this industry, so be sure to fully research all of your options before making a quick decision. Every marijuana business funding source is different, and most have varying terms. By researching your options, you are bettering your chances of having a successful business.

Contact us today for Marijuana Business Funding

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Time to Move Forward as House Reauthorizes Rohrabacher-Farr CJS Amendment

Washington DC Capitol detail on cloudy skyEyes are now focused on the future after the United States House of Representatives backed the reauthorization of the Rohrabacher-Farr medical marijuana amendment through a majority vote. The amendment has been authorized to the CJS- Commerce, Science, and Justice Appropriations bill for the year 2015.

The Rohrabacher-Farr medical marijuana amendment prohibits the US Department of Justice from spending public money on prevention of the implementation of medical marijuana programs. In the absence of the amendment, the constitution would prohibit any state-level medical marijuana programs from being implemented. It would as well approve funding for raids on federal medical marijuana, sanction arrests and prosecutions in different US states where medical cannabis has been legalized.

In essence, the constitution would overrule any other laws governing the medical marijuana programs in various states.

The Rohrabacher-Farr medical marijuana amendment currently covers 39 states following the addition of seven more states into the program last year. It also protects access to medical marijuana programs for about 275 million residents of the different states.

Patients now applaud the move by the US House of Representatives to have the Rohrabacher-Farr medical cannabis amendment back in force. The amendment provides essential protection for both patients of medical cannabis and the people who provide them with access to this medicine.

Officials have termed this move as a reaffirmation that the federal government is committed to keep from interfering with state medical marijuana programs. They have called upon the people to use this time to focus ahead in making the medical cannabis programs helpful to many. What is left is to create a framework that will bring both federal and state authorities to cooperate in passing the Carers Act.

Impact on the economy

The re-authorization of this amendment is likely to have a far reaching impact on the economy. With open recognition of this product, the government is likely to start getting revenue out of its sale and related trading actions. Businesses have equally welcomed this piece of legislation with great prospects. Financial organizations are already providing marijuana business funding to merchants who are venturing into this industry.

Get your Marijuana Business Funding Today!

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Top 5 Things to Avoid in the Marijuana Industry

medical marijuana payment processingOver the last few years, there has been a lot of chatter and legislation about the marijuana industry. As an increasing number of states have decriminalized marijuana, more companies that grow and distribute the drug have cropped up. But as with the growth of any legitimate enterprise, there has been an increase in the number of scams and amateur organizations that have given consumers misinformation about marijuana and have fleeced new marijuana enterprises.

Marijuana Real Estate Agent – Agencies locating commercial properties for marijuana growers has become a new niche. Unfortunately, very few realtors are to be trusted, nor do they know state and local laws relevant to commercial cannabis use. Sometimes realtors act as advocates for marijuana businesses, but their goal is really to gouge as much money out of cannabis tenants as possible.

Publicly Traded Companies – Beware of investing in publicly traded cannabis companies. Very few of these companies are profitable or clean. Do extensive research before handing over money to management companies.

Management Companies – Many marijuana merchants have a difficult time running their businesses because traditional financial institutions refuse to supply them with merchant accounts because of liability issues. As a result, some organizations become desperate and run their money through a management company to set up their bank account. This strategy is dangerous and criminal, as banks often eventually realize their accounts are fraudulent. This discovery can lead to federal charges of laundering.

Find the Right Representation – Do not hire criminal lawyers to be marijuana business lawyers. These are two completely distinct areas with different processes. One is settled in court and one is typically done in a business setting.

Be Wary of Regional Trademarking – Your brand is your most precious commodity and must be protected. Too many lawyers are claiming that your trademark will carry and be lawful in other states. This is not true. To be assured that you are protected anywhere, apply for a federal trademark for your marijuana products or a state trademark.

Don’t resort to tricks, illegal activity, or leave your business in the hands of amateurs or crooks. The experts at MMA can provide comprehensive marijuana business funding, account management and more. We have been helping legally operating marijuana merchants with payment processing for over 10 years.

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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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Medical Marijuana Dispensaries find themselves Caught between Conflicting Laws

Marijuana Business FundingHundreds of individuals have found themselves in the middle of legal conflicts over medical marijuana, even though they completed all of the required legal steps to open a dispensary. It would seem that the concerns over the differences in state versus federal law are beginning to materialize.

The main source of this conflict is coming from a little-publicized amendment to the 2015 appropriations bill. Referred to as a “buried land mine”, Congress barred the Justice Department from spending any money to prevent states from implementing their own state laws that either authorize the possession, use, cultivation or distribution of medical marijuana.

The Justice Department, however, is adamant that the amendment does not undercut its power to enforce federal drug law. On the federal level, marijuana is still listed as a Schedule 1 substance along with Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy and Bath Salts, to name a few.

In addition, The Justice Department claims that the amendment only bars federal agencies from interfering with state efforts to carry out medical marijuana laws. They have also claimed that it does not preclude criminal prosecutions for violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

This “wild card” has led to many surprises in several cases in both California and Washington State. All of this contradiction and conflict has led to new challenges in the journey of legalizing medical marijuana. It also leaves federal judges with no choice but to have to give their opinion – and soon.

As things continue to heat up over state vs. federal input on legalized marijuana, the need to have every “I” dotted and every “T” crossed will be even more important. This is especially true considering that the defendants in these cases made sure to have all of the legal steps required by their state to be taken care of, but still ended up in hot water with federal law.

When searching for means of funding, for example, traditional lending sources are going to be more reluctant than ever to provide their services to anyone involved in this industry. Fortunately, alternative funding options like securing marijuana business funding with marijuana-merchant-account.com means that you will not only have a safe and efficient solution, but you will also be working with a provider that specializes in offering solutions to the medical marijuana industry.

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