Are you looking to dive into the cannabis industry but unsure how to start a successful cannabis business? As cannabis legalization becomes more common, this rapidly changing industry is an exciting sector for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Here, GreenWrap Insurance Solutions provides insight into some of the strategies that can help you successfully start a cannabis business.
Study Up on Licensing Requirements
While cannabis production and distribution have been recently legalized in many places, this is still a very heavily regulated industry. Cannabis laws vary widely from state to state and country to country. If you’re planning to start your own business, it’s important to understand how cannabis is regulated in your state or country, as well as in any other locations where you plan to sell or distribute your products.
For example, in the United States, hemp production was legalized as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. This means that hemp – cannabis plants with a very low level of THC – and hemp products can be sold throughout the U.S. Marijuana production, however, is still illegal at the federal level, and state laws regarding marijuana production and distribution vary. Some states allow the sale of recreational marijuana, while others limit marijuana usage to prescribed medical uses. Several states still have a complete ban on any kind of marijuana usage.
Narrow Your Business Focus
Cannabis is a growing and exciting industry, with lots of opportunities. Don’t try to do it all! Think about what aspect of the cannabis industry you are most passionate about and put your time and energy there. Do you want to open a dispensary? Are you interested in the technical side of cannabis cultivation or processing? Decide what you want the focus of your cannabis business to be, and then look for opportunities in your area that could offer you an advantage. Perhaps you live in an area with several dispensaries but not enough cannabis transporters to serve these sellers. Identifying gaps like this in the market can help you launch your business. Looking for states that do not require verticals is helpful.
Network with Other Industry Professionals
When you’re starting as a new business owner, it can be beneficial to connect with other professionals in your industry through trade shows, conferences, and other networking events. There are a growing number of trade associations for cannabis industry professionals. Check to see which organizations are active in your area and consider joining one. You’ll be able to get advice from more experienced business owners and could even build connections that can grow your customer base.
Research Business Loan Options
If you think you’ll need startup capital, be sure to do thorough research on the lenders in your area. Because marijuana is illegal at the federal level, cannabis businesses may not be able to take out loans from federally owned banks. Privately owned banks may be able to help finance cannabis businesses. Because it can be challenging to secure a loan or even open a bank account, many cannabis enterprises operate as cash-only businesses.
Protect Your Business with a Trusted Insurance Provider
With careful research, you can build a comprehensive business plan for your cannabis business. To protect your investment, make sure you choose a reliable insurance provider with custom solutions for the cannabis industry. With more than two decades of experience, GreenWrap Insurance Solutions offers a range of policies from general liability to cyber data breach protection. To learn more about how to start a successful cannabis business with tailored, comprehensive insurance coverage, contact us today.