If you’re in the legal cannabis industry and looking to expand your operations, you’ve most likely researched your options and understand that it may be difficult. Because traditional banks won’t offer loans to cannabis companies, there is a growing need for dispensaries and CBD businesses to reach out to cannabis lenders. 

 A cannabis lender, like Canna Business Resources, can make sure you get the amount you need with loan options that fit your business. Below, we will help you navigate the difficulties and help you understand the steps in applying for a cannabis loan.  

What is a Cannabis Loan? 

Unlike traditional loans, a cannabis loan is given to businesses in the cannabis industry. It is specific to cannabis businesses and can be used to purchase things like equipment, real estate loans, and more.  

Since traditional banks aren’t able to give loans to cannabusinesses, most companies work with cannabis lenders to secure the funding they need. The cost of operating, expanding, or starting a new cannabis company can be expensive, so securing a cannabis business loan can make a huge difference. 

Steps to Receiving a Cannabis Loan 

At Canna Business resources, our goal is to make cannabis funding available to you while catering to your specific needs. To make things a little easier, we’ve gone ahead and provided a quick outline of how the process of applying for a cannabis loan works.  

•       Gather your information

             Things such as credit score, current debts, tax documents, are examples of some of the financial documents you will need. It is also good to have a business plan ready. If you are able to have these items ready before speaking with a cannabis lender, it may help speed the application process up and show the lender you are ready to get to work. 

•       Start a conversation with Canna Business Resources

The next step is easy! Once you have all your information gathered, just reach out to Canna Business Resources, or schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. We will be able to provide you with bespoke financing that fits your needs. 

•       Submit your documentation

After working with Canna Business Resources, you should have a good idea of what you are looking for. The next step will be to submit your documents and we will begin working on your approval. This should only take around two days before we know if your cannabis business qualifies for a cannabis loan.  

•       Receive your cannabis loan approval

The last step in the process is receiving your cannabis loan! You are now able to use the capital you receive on any business expenses you need. From cannabis equipment to paying employees, the money is yours to use as you need.  

How Difficult is it to Qualify for a Cannabis Loan? 

Acquiring any kind of loan can be difficult to find, but it gets even tougher when you’re a cannabis business. According to NCSL, there are only about 18 states that have legalized recreational marijuana, and as it stands, marijuana is still considered an illegal substance by the federal government. Owning or starting a cannabis business comes with heightened risk, and so there are a few more hurdles to jump through.  

First and foremost, you need to make sure you have all of the required license to operate and run your cannabis business. Without this, the ability to receive a cannabis loan is nearly impossible. You will also want to be up to date on all the state laws and any changes that are being made to them. 

Once you have your license and documentation ready, there is still no guarantee that you will receive the loan. There are certain criteria that a business needs to hit, and you can get more information on this by speaking to one of our expert representatives.  

How Much Money can I Borrow for my Cannabis Business? 

When it comes to cannabis loans, make sure you talk with your lender and understand how much you need. Starting your own cannabis business or expanding on your current one isn’t cheap, and the more prepared you are, the better off you are.  

At Canna Business Resources, we have the ability to lend as little as $50,000 or up to as high as $15 million. With such a wide range of cannabis loans, we are bound to find something within your range. Contact us to learn more financing options and get started on your application for a cannabis loan today!  

If you’re looking to expand your operations or start your own cannabis business, you may need some financial assistance, and applying for a cannabis business loan can be helpful. These loans are provided by cannabis lenders and are used specifically for businesses in the cannabis industry. Before you apply though, you may want to understand what types of cannabis businesses can qualify.  

Types of Cannabusinesses 

The cannabis business types can be boiled down to two categories, Plant-touching and ancillary companies. Plant touching businesses are ones that handle the cannabis product directly. These types of businesses have strict regulations and must have the proper licensing. This is because they are responsible for the growing, extraction, processing, and distribution of the product.  

Ancillary companies provide support to the cannabis companies who sell and work with the product. Below are examples of each type of cannabis business, and keep in mind, there are plenty of other businesses we may not have listed.  

 Plant-touching 

•       Breeders
•       Cultivators
•       Dispensaries
•       Manufacturers
•       Extractors 

Ancillary companies 

•       Lawyers
•       Marketing Services
•       Equipment Providers
•       Construction 
•       Packaging Companies
•       Software Development

Should I Start a Plant-Touching or Ancillary Cannabis Business? 

This decision is really up to you! There are pros and cons to both plant-touching and ancillary cannabis companies. For plant-touching, you will be taking in the profit, and can use that towards your business, as income, or both. But on the other hand, you may have more rules and regulations to worry about.  

For ancillary companies, you may need to pay attention to some regulations, but not nearly as strict as the plant-touching side of things. Your company can also have a focus on more than just cannabis, so you aren’t dependent on that specific industry. Just make sure you have a good cannabis business plan to get started! 

Current State of the Cannabis Industry 

As it stands right now, the cannabis industry has continued to grow each and every year. More cannabis companies are popping up and, according to Leafly’s Jobs Report, as of January 2022, there are over 428,000 full-time equivalent jobs being supported by legal cannabis.  

In 2021 there was a 33% increase in the amount of cannabis jobs compared to 2020, and that was the fifth year in a row that the annual job growth was greater than 27%. If you have ever thought about starting your own cannabis business but didn’t think the time was right, now is your chance!  

Challenges for Cannabis Companies 

Before starting a cannabis company, you may want to be aware of some of the complications that come with it. If you are aware of the difficulties before you start, it can make handling the situations easier when they arise. Some problems that face cannabis companies are: 

•       Strict Rules

Cannabis is still considered an illegal substance according to the federal government, which means there are certain rules and regulations you need to follow. You also need to make sure that you have all the correct business licensing and that they are up to date.   

•       Changing Regulations

If you are paying attention to the news, you know that the rules and regulations for marijuana are different in every state, and they seem to change all of the time. You will need to stay informed on all of the regulation changes to make sure you are still operating between the lines. It doesn’t hurt to understand the rules in other states or areas either, if you’ve ever thought of expanding your cannabis company.  

•       Advertising Restrictions

This one is similar to the “strict rules” problem we discussed above. But with marijuana being an illegal substance, there is no great way of advertising your product. Sites like Google do not allow the use of cannabis or marijuana in their advertising platforms, so you may need to get creative.  

•       Acquiring a Loan

When it comes to acquiring financing for your expansion or new business, things can get complicated. Traditional banks aren’t able to provide loans to cannabis businesses, so it’s important you work with a cannabis lender like Canna Business Resources. We have the ability to provide loans for companies looking to grow with commercial real estate loans or even finance cannabis equipment.  

Now that you know what types of cannabis businesses can apply for cannabis loans, you should have an idea if your business qualifies. Before you get started, make sure you weigh all your options and really have a plan for your next move. Having a business plan can really speed the process up. When you’re ready to talk about your financing options, Canna Business Resources is ready. Quickly apply for financing or contact us about our different offerings.   

You hear about it more and more each day, that the cannabis industry is rapidly growing and becoming more popular with the legalization of marijuana. It may get you thinking that now is the perfect time to start looking into different cannabis businesses or expanding your current one, and you’re right!  

To begin, you will need money. But traditional banks and lenders aren’t able to provide resources because marijuana is still considered an illegal substance by the federal government. So, what’s next?  

Well, you will need to begin looking into your cannabis financing options, and that’s where we come in. Canna Business Resources is a full-service loan provider for the cannabis industry. We’ve put together a crash course on everything you need to know about cannabis financing and getting started! 

What is Cannabis Financing? 

Cannabis financing is a loan that is specific to the marijuana, hemp, and CBD business industry. It provides you with the capital to pay for certain things, such as your start-up cost, overhead, equipment, real estate, hiring, and more. 

Starting or expanding on a cannabis business is not necessarily cheap, so the importance of finding a cannabis financing solution is becoming increasingly more important to cannabusinesses. In 2021 alone, Canna Business Resources was able to lend over $100 million to different types of cannabis businesses, and that number looks as though it will continue to grow.  

How to apply for Cannabis Loans 

Applying for a cannabis loan can be done fairly quickly, but you will want to have information about your business readily available. Things such as your credit score, how much you are wanting to borrow, and your experience in the cannabis industry are a few.  

If you want to increase your chances of securing your funding, make sure you do things like improve your credit score, have a cannabis business plan prepared, and possibly get a co-signer if you want to increase the possibility that your loan will be approved. 

On the other hand, your cannabis loan request can also be denied. Here are some of the top reasons that your application can be denied: 

•       You already have too much debt

Having too much debt can put you at a disadvantage in the application process, as it increases the risk for the lender. Make sure you are paying off any old debts that can be taken care of and checking your financials regularly. If you can lower your current debt before applying for cannabis financing, it would be a step in the right direction. 

•       Bad credit score

Having a bad credit score shows the lender that you haven’t necessarily been on top of your payments. Things such as late payments or missing payments on your credit history lower your credit score, and it gives the lender doubt that you will be able to repay the loan on time.  

•       Your business plan isn’t complete

Earlier on, we mentioned that you will need a cannabis business plan to help secure your financing. This is extremely important because it shows the lender that you are serious about your business, and you plan to run a profitable operation. If the lender is able to see value in what you are doing, there is a higher chance that they will begin working with you. 

Types of Cannabis Financing 

When it comes to the different types of loans you can receive, there are a few main ones. Keep in mind, these may not be the only options, but they are some of the more popular loans Canna Business Resources works with. 

•       Cannabis Equipment Financing

Many cannabis companies are expanding their operations to meet the growing needs of customers, and one way to do this is with more cannabis equipment. Equipment financing provides you with a cash outflow instead of incurring one large upfront payment to receive the equipment. The types of equipment that can be purchased are things like extraction equipment, kitchen equipment, HVAC, construction related to cultivation, and more.  

•       Commercial Real Estate Loans

If you are looking to purchase new real estate or expand your current operation, cannabis real estate financing may be your best bet. We offer loans up to $15 million to help with expansion and start-up real estate costs. Whether it’s cultivating or manufacturing, we have the expertise to find what you are looking for and provide sufficient funding to get the job done.  

•       Business Loans

Cannabis business loans are intended to help with any needs for your operations. This can include things such as any overhead, payment for employees, and other expenses that come with running a cannabusiness. Cannabis business loans can be a great benefit to any company that needs some extra funding to run their day to day.  

• Cannabis Dispensary Loans 

With the cannabis industry rapidly growing and becoming more popular, there has also been an increase in demand for product. To handle this increase in cannabis products going out, there are business owners looking to open up cannabis dispensaries. 

Starting a cannabis dispensary can be expensive and can take time. It is also becoming a competitive market, so businesses are looking for a leg up in the competition. A cannabis dispensary loan can do just that by providing capital to begin working on your new operation. Canna Business Resources can help with cannabis dispensary loans and make the process as simple as possible.  

Benefits of Financing with Canna Business Resources 

When it comes to working with a cannabis lender, you want to make sure you are working with a trusted source. We have the expertise and knowledge not only in the lending industry, but the cannabis industry as well. Canna Business Resources is the exclusive lending partner for sites such as 420Loans and 420Property and can provide funding options from $50,000 – $15 million with interest rates that work for you. With a quick turnaround, you can get your funding and begin growing your business in no time. 

Apply Now 

Being a lender in the cannabis business, we see trends and understand how the cannabis market is growing. With more states allowing the legalization of marijuana, business owners are expanding and more cannabis businesses are being started. This increases the need for cannabusiness funding. 

Cannabusiness, a term that combines cannabis and business, is a company that has anything to do with the marijuana or hemp industry. This could be a business, like a dispensary, selling cannabis product, or even a company that packages marijuana. As demand for the product increases, cannabusinesses will continue to pop-up over the U.S. 

Cannabusinesses on the Rise 

When we talk about cannabusinesses being on the rise in the U.S., we don’t just mean dispensaries. There are plenty of new opportunities when it comes to cannabusinesses. Not only that, but the profits being made off cannabis are increasing, with over $25 billion in sales in 2021.  

There are many types of cannabusinesses that are often grouped into two categories. Plant-touching and ancillary companies. The plant-touching can include companies that cultivate, manufacture, or sell cannabis directly. Ancillary companies, those who provide support to the cannabis industry, consist of those that package, provide equipment, construction, or security.   

Cannabis Continues to be Legalized 

According to MJBizDaily, at the end of 2021 there were 39 states that have legalized the use of medical marijuana. 

 As for recreational use of marijuana, Colorado and Washington were first on the scene in 2012. Since then, there have been 16 more states added. The states that have both legal medical and recreational marijuana are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.  

Even in states where cannabis isn’t legal, there are organized actions being taken by many groups to decriminalize marijuana, which should only increase opportunities for cannabis businesses in the future.  

Cannabusiness Funding fills a Gap 

As you can see, the number of canna businesses will continue to grow as the industry becomes more accepted within each state. The problem that a lot of startup companies will have, though, is that traditional financial institutions aren’t handing out cannabis loans. Because Marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government, many traditional banks are unwilling to fund canna businesses.  

Therefore, cannabis lenders, like Canna Business Resources, fills a gap. Starting up a company is not easy, and when you don’t have access to funding or lenders, it only makes it more difficult. We work with you to get cannabis business loans and help get your story going.  

Cannabusiness Funding with CBR 

Over the years, we have had the pleasure of doing business with a lot of cannabis companies, and in 2021 we were able to provide over $100M in funding for cannabusinesses.  

Applying for a loan is easy, and we can provide amounts that range from $100,000 – $15 million in as little as a few days. Our main focus is the cannabis industry, and we have the knowledge to walk you through all of your options and choose what plan works best for you. Don’t fall behind. The cannabis market will continue to grow in the coming years. Whether you are looking to expand your current operations or begin a new canna business, getting additional funding is a key component for the scalability of your business. 

Now’s The Time to Open Your Cannabis Dispensary

In just a fraction of time, the popularity graph of cannabis has risen too high, and this is all because of its unavoidable impacts in the therapeutic industry. It’s high time to invest and bound your share in the ever-booming business field. There are multiple options of businesses available, and here we are focusing on how to open a cannabis dispensary.

Almost in more than 33 states in the U.S., the use of cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes, while 25% of the states allow recreational use. Canada has diminished the prohibition and legalized recreational marijuana on a federal level.

Business opportunities spring up in the cannabis industry from cultivation to processing, manufacturing to trading; everything goes hand-to-hand.

The marijuana industry is in its starting stages, and there is a long way to go, so entering the cannabis industry will be amazingly profitable. Opening a cannabis dispensary requires so much time, research, and estimation to streamline the process.

Here we will talk about the complete steps-based guide to learn how to open a cannabis dispensary, including everything from making a plan to register your business and from initial funds to making the sales live. Let’s get started!

How to Open Your Cannabis Dispensary

• Research the Risks and Eligibility Factors

Although the states have legalized cannabis and laws are less stringent than in the past, there is so much to take care of as marijuana is illegal at the federal level. Under the federally controlled substance Act, marijuana is categorized as a schedule 1 drug that can only be suggested, not prescribed.

The legal risks to dispensary business are still complex to know how to stay within standard parameters. Talking to a legal counsel will help to project all the related risks and permits.

Furthermore, keeping the financial risks in mind will make things a bit more clear. To embark on a business demands a good plan of financing it. When it comes to a cannabis venture, there are some additional expenses and other considerable challenges to find substantial funding.

Most of the banks operate under federal laws, and they even don’t allow the transact business through the traditional medium.

Then comes the need to check your eligibility. The local government has a list to check your eligibility as a dispensary owner. Such as some must-haves are:

• • No history of any felony convictions for owner, investors, and license holders
  • The dispensary must be located 500-1000 ft far from restricted locations.
  • A detailed business plan encompasses each and everything.
  • Agreeing and following all safety regulations.

Besides, many other eligibility-check criteria are varying from state to state.

• Research Policies, Legitimacy, Registration, and Cost

Decided to open a cannabis dispensary? Now invest your time in some research work and find the answers to your queries regarding legality and licensing.

Cannabis rules vary from state to state; even the two neighboring states have two different sets of laws, and the same goes for dispensary business. So, looking at the rules, the legal status around the dispensary location, and the sentences in violation of laws will help the entrepreneur make broad decisions.

Licensing is essential for the cannabis business, especially so pay heed to paperwork, and it all depends on the area where your business is residing. Some general must-haves include seller permits, cannabis duration licenses, and cannabis dispensary licenses.

Also, make sure that the registered and running company are both the same; otherwise, you won’t be able to operate your business lawfully in most states.

The states provide the solution to this, and you can register your business with the actual name using the “Doing Business As” certificate.

Your business insurance is vital to protect your investment in case of any unfortunate incident.

Protect your business assets using the appropriate plan by the insurance companies.

As medical cannabis is listed as the schedule 1 drug, it is not shielded by FDA tax exemptions, and the product will be asked to be issued a state tax.

• Know your Product

After being familiar with risk factors and legal requirements to start the cannabis dispensary, now is the high time to jump into the actual business of “knowing cannabis.” You can’t succeed in a business without knowing every bit of it, from business requirements to product information.

Start educating yourself on various forms of cannabis, your audience, and how your product will best fall to their needs. It would help if you were trained to guide your customers and present the product to them in the best possible manner.

When you earn customer trust by suggesting the right product that works for them, you add days to your business life. Demonstrate your knowledge of the plant that helps your customer base.

Enrolling in a cannabis dispensary course will be a great idea to help you educate yourself and your team to perform professionally.

• Prepare a Detailed Business Plan

Documenting your business plan helps you achieve your business goal in a better way. After a good research, the entrepreneurs who make a business plan are more likely to achieve your high business goals. Your business plan must include:

• • An executive summary
  • An industry overview
  • Market analysis
  • Sales and marketing plan.
  • Competitive analysis
  • Management, Operating, and Financial plan
  • Appendices and Proofs

Making a comprehensive plan will help you throughout your business journey and prove to the lender that you are serious about the next steps.

• Look up for Cannabis Dispensary Loans
  

Looking for a cannabis dispensary loans is another struggling task and the real pain in the stomach. Why? Because marijuana is still under illegal status at the federal level, it becomes an obstacle for applying the loans for different cannabis businesses.

The expenses to open a cannabis dispensary will depend on the location your business is residing at. If you are facing hard to find the investor for your cannabis dispensary doesn’t fret, there are still other ways you can rely on. Traditional banking is not for your marijuana business because of federal restrictions.

The cannabis market is booming, and for your cannabis business, you can consider the option of equity funding that means raising capital through the sale of shares of your business.

Furthermore, another option to consider is debt funding, where business cost is funded by debt. Personal loans are a good choice that helps to bear the startup costs if you have a good credit score and consecutive income. Also, business credit cards can be utilized to cover any emergency, pay recurring expenses, or finance startup costs.

• Build and Train a Team

A professional and trained team is the backbone of any business and vital for running a successful dispensary. So building a team that understands your motto, moves forward together, and takes business its own is a real success for the entrepreneur. When building a team, you need to consider two types of members.

• • Professional support that works behind the scenes
  • Day-to-day staff

If both are working as per your expectations and meeting the business needs, you will experience a sudden spike in your business success.

• Secure a Perfect Location

When you have finalized and streamlined most of the things now, it’s time to secure a perfect location for the cannabis dispensary. The regulations and compliance codes for most the cannabis related-things vary from state to state.

When finalizing the location, you must prefer the place that is accessible to potential customers. You may have to choose from the two popular options renting or buying. Most entrepreneur in the cannabis industry prefers renting instead of buying because of the ever-changing rules in the marijuana industry. So, there can be a change in the status of property-compliance for the marijuana business.

Even then, you find a compliant property; your landlord might not be supportive of the cannabis business. So, you have to look into all the obstacles in this concern and open up to the landlord to make things more transparent.

Further, you can consult real-estate agencies and brokers to help you find a cannabis-compliant corporate place.

• Branding and Marketing your Cannabis Dispensary

You can’t build up a business empire without proper branding and marketing techniques. The cannabis industry has paved its way from a black market to mainstream medical needs. What played a significant role in it? A positive branding strategy.

To make your business a brand:

1. • Pay heed to the branding and of your cannabis dispensary business.
   • Follow the trends, such as choose the catchy and most-relevant logo for your business.
   • Consider the cannabis-themed website designing.
   • Be concerned with the interior and exterior design of the dispensary.
   • The product packaging should be of high-quality and everything that is going to present your brand.

So, spend some extra time to think and decide all these things as these things turn into the real ambassadors of your business in the future and keep the loyal customers intact.

Marketing strategy is another talk of the town for the cannabis business but keeping the advertising regulations into consideration is also essential. Many marketing platforms wholly or partially ban cannabis advertisements due to the illegal status at the federal level.

• Welcome your Customers

So, you have streamlined everything till now. Now it’s time to open your doors for your customers. One of the best initial marketing strategies is to open up your business by hosting a grand inauguration ceremony. The main focus of this type of opening should be:

• • Meet and introduce your team
  • Provide Patient Education to your audience
  • Present Product Information
  • Sales & Special Discounts

The opening ceremony is your business’ first impression that must be long-lasting. This is high time to win loyal potential customers.

How Much Does it Cost to Open a Dispensary?

When it comes to opening a dispensary, it will not be cheap. Along with the building, supplies, staff, and other overhead, cannabis businesses will need to deal with application fees and licensing fees for their businesses. And based off of different state regulations, it could cost more in different states. If you plan on opening a cannabis dispensary, chances are you will need to look for cannabis loans or other financing options.

Cannabis Dispensary Loans with CBR

Jumping into the cannabis business will be proved a foresighted decision at this time where the canna industry is rapidly growing. If you have decided to take your share from so many available marijuana business options, doing your homework and making a proper strategy will be a “ball in your court” situation in the long term.

A dispensary will let your business instinct rise in what is soon to be a cumbersome, global industry. The answer to how to open a cannabis dispensary is better to rely on the step-by-step preparation for your business.

The laws are stringent for every step of opening a cannabis dispensary as federally controlled substance status still exists; however, there is still a chance to induce your business empire under these strict rules.

If you are ready to move forward on your business plan, we could love to work with you and help get you going. Our cannabis dispensary loans are a great asset for cannabis businesses and can really push you to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.