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on January 5th or January 12th!
You may have the best-looking website with the most robust content, or the most illuminating videos, podcasts, and posts – but if you’re not using search engine optimization (SEO) to drive people to those assets you might as well be throwing a feast in an empty banquet hall. Learn how SEO can help put you in front of a hungry crowd.
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States tend to take two steps forward and one step back to arrive at cannabis legislation that can win broad approval. However, lawmakers in Arizona, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont listened as voters have been voicing their increasing support for recreational marijuana legalization. As new states pave the road to recreational marijuana legalization, you need to be ready to put your pedal to the metal when the race to apply begins. We have some advice to help you start mapping out a route now to secure a license when the light turns green.
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As people began discovering gold at the end of the cannabis rainbow, some communities were missing out on the bonanza. Notably, people of color, those with prior marijuana convictions, and members of communities hardest-hit by the war on drugs were running into barriers to entry into the profitable cannabis industry. To maximize your potential for success in the cannabis market, learn about social equity programs in your state or city. Here are some common themes to be aware of, along with figures that illustrate the power of including previously underrepresented individuals in this booming industry.
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The cannabis industry has come a long way, evolving exponentially in just the last two decades. With cannabis laws and regulations established on a state level, each state will have its own unique marijuana programs. And with the recent passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp and hemp-derived products on a federal level, the negative perception that has long lingered around cannabis and marijuana continues to fade.
With the remaining stigma surrounding cannabis decreasing also comes more entrepreneurs who want to participate in what is predicted to become a multi-billion industry. However, because most legal cannabis programs are still in their infancy, there is still much to learn.
Business owners who want to get into the legal cannabis space can’t approach the marijuana industry without in-depth knowledge and insight into cannabis laws, regulations, and compliance. While hemp is legal on a federal level, marijuana legalization varies from state to state, with each state having its own cannabis laws and marijuana programs. Some have both legal recreational and medical marijuana programs, while most only allow medicinal use of marijuana. Some states have only decriminalized marijuana by classifying possession of small amounts as a misdemeanor or punishable by a citation or fine. However, some states have not legalized cannabis on any level.
Navigating the complex cannabis industry can be challenging to do entirely on your own. The best way to enter the marketplace is by consulting marijuana business professionals. In this definitive guide, we will discuss how to get started in the legal cannabis industry, what a cannabis consulting firm can do for you, and how to choose a cannabis consulting company.
Because cannabis is regulated at a state level in the U.S, you need to know the specific laws and regulations of your state before you embark into the world of cannabis and plan to start your cannabis business. The legal cannabis industry is young and therefore, ever-changing. Policies, rules, and regulations evolve as more cannabis businesses come into play and states learn more about consumer demand and the marketplace.
Whether your plans are to open a dispensary or cultivation facility, you need more than a basic understanding of the industry to become successful. If you do not have the expertise, it would help to partner with a consultant you can trust. Here are some basic first steps to get started in a legal cannabis business:
When you apply for a cannabis business license, you will need to accomplish the specific license application for the type of cannabis business you intend to operate. The cannabis industry is mostly known for two major types of business – cultivators and dispensaries. However, there are many opportunities in the cannabis business space.
The names of the business types will differ from state to state. For example, one state may refer to what another state will call a cultivator as a marijuana grower. Another state will classify a cannabis dispensary as a retail store. Some states only have business permits for manufacturing, where everything from growing to processing and packaging takes place. And in some places, a dispensary for medical cannabis is referred to as a cannabis pharmacy. Recreational marijuana may also be referred to as “adult use” marijuana in other states. This is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different American cannabis terms, particularly the one used primarily in your state. The following are marijuana businesses to consider:
One of the main requirements of the marijuana business application process is to provide a business plan. The quality of your business plan won’t just impact your chances of winning a business license, but it will also help secure investors.
Once you have determined the type of cannabis business, you need to work on the details, such as real estate, business strategy, team, and financials. Your business plan will detail your business name, location, management team, target market, competition, business model, and funding needs. It should also include your plans on how to turn a profit, attract customers, and a value proposition.
Beyond showing how you plan to create your company; your business plan should also demonstrate how you intend to sustain it and make it stand out. Application evaluators and investors will want to see creativity and strategy on how you will remain competitive and fill gaps in the cannabis market. Your business plan must also prove how you will accomplish all this while remaining compliant with the state’s laws and regulations.
Choose the business entity that is right for you, keeping in mind that the different business entities come with their own taxes and risk levels. Before choosing a name for your marijuana business, check to see if your state has specific rules and regulations when it comes to business names for cannabis businesses. When registering your cannabis business, remember that you may have other requirements that a regular business would not typically have.
The laws and regulations for starting a cannabis business will depend on the state. Therefore, there will be different registration processes, business license types, and requirements. Some states announce specific windows when applications will be accepted; some states will accept applications year-round.
Your best chance at becoming successful in the marijuana marketplace is to have an understanding of your state’s cannabis laws. Engage an experienced attorney or a cannabis consultant who will educate you on applicable laws. From the design and construction of the facility to the business permits, a cannabis business can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. A trusted advisor or cannabis consultant will ensure you follow all the state marijuana laws and regulations to ensure you don’t put your investment at risk.
The complexities of all the moving parts of launching a cannabis business can be too challenging and confusing for a business owner who only has basic knowledge of the legal marijuana industry.
Cannabis consulting firms help entrepreneurs launch and establish their marijuana business. They not only help startups but also existing cannabis companies that may want to expand. It’s tempting to save money and go at it on your own. Here are the main services that professional cannabis consultants can provide their clients:
Cannabis Business Tours – From cultivation and extraction to retail, there are various types of cannabis businesses. Each type of marijuana business will have different facility designs, daily operational goals, equipment, and so on. So before you spend a significant amount of time conceptualizing your marijuana business, you need an idea of the unique requirements of your facility. The best way to gain a better understanding of the type of cannabis business you intend to launch or invest in is to visit a facility that is already operational.
Established cannabis consultants typically have an extensive business directory and networks in the legal cannabis industry. By giving you access to a cannabis company that has a good track record, operational management, and business model, you gain insight into what it truly takes to operate your own marijuana business.
Facility Design Build – Mistakes in planning and engineering can be costly and set your timeline back, which not only costs time but also money. Without adequate knowledge in facility design, you may be taken advantage of, and construction could go on for much longer than necessary. For example, an outdoor grow facility or a greenhouse will differ from an indoor cultivation facility. Each facility and state will have its own set of zoning and planning laws, safety and security standards, and municipality regulations.
To ensure you’re investing your funds wisely, a cannabis consulting firm can work as the design-build team that will craft a blueprint of your facility, including everything from HVAC systems to environmental controls. The cannabis consulting firm will have their own team of architects and construction professionals, including a project manager, engineer, electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, and general laborers, that specialize in designing and constructing efficient and compliant cannabis facilities.
The beauty of having the design and construction of your facility under one contract is dealing with one project manager. This decreases miscommunications and bottlenecks, which increases organization and productivity and ensures construction is completed according to the timeline.
Cannabis License – You can’t participate in the legal cannabis industry without a business license. Because marijuana laws and regulations differ from state to state, your state will have its own license application process. The requirements will also depend on the type of cannabis business you are applying for – recreational or medical cannabis license.
The cannabis license application process is rigorous. The cannabis industry is highly regulated, and competition is fierce, as each state will likely have a limited number of licenses to award. Therefore, your application will need to stand out. The whole application process will probably involve completing dozens of sections. Some sections will have a word count limit, which makes it crucial to write in a clear and concise manner. You will also need a well-thought-out business plan, proper documentation authorization, contracts with trusting partners, and standard operating procedures. This includes showing that you have a security infrastructure in place to safeguard your legal marijuana business.
Many states use a scoring methodology to rank permit applications. Therefore, your chances of being awarded a coveted license is determined by the quality of your application. Licensing consulting gives you an edge when it comes to the highly competitive nature of marijuana business applications. By utilizing the services of a professional application writer, you increase your chances of being awarded a license significantly. Expert cannabis application writers have an in-depth understanding of the specific requirements crucial for creating a successful application. Their expert writing can help you demonstrate your ability to fulfill claims.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – One of the most crucial requirements of your cannabis application is showing your ability to adapt to regulation changes, stay organized, and achieve compliance. You can do this by outlining your business’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). SOP requirements will typically involve employee documentation, including training manuals. SOPs should contain processing procedures, safety and health protocols, security measures, and emergency practices. SOPs should also contain procedures on how you will handle cash, maintain financial records, sales processes, marketing, and customer service.
A cannabis consulting company can help you not only create proper SOPs but ensure you are implementing them properly. Cannabis consulting companies have expert technical writers who can create detailed, step-by-step SOPs for your business that display your facility’s ability to operate in accordance with the state’s specific marijuana laws and regulations. An experienced SOP writer will ensure your processes are described in-depth, while remaining easy to read and understand.
METRC and Cannabis Business Compliance – The Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance (METRC) is an elaborate cannabis compliance system required by some states. The system helps you monitor and verify reported cannabis inventories. It proactively analyzes trends and stays on top of cannabis news to assess risk and identify non-compliant behavior. It is currently a requirement for all cannabis businesses of all types in 14 states to follow a product back to its origins, should it become a public health concern. If the METRC system is a requirement in your state, a cannabis consulting company can provide METRC training, reconciliation services, and perform compliance audits.
Not adhering to your state’s established cannabis laws, standards, and policies can result in the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of your business license. The cannabis consulting agency will have a team of expert compliance consultants that will help keep you on top of cannabis compliance and regulations, which are ever-changing. By complying with relevant laws, your cannabis business stays competitive and on the radar as a reliable and law-abiding cannabis business.
Accounting – Maintaining financials, accounting, and staying compliant with tax regulations can be intimidating. A marijuana consulting firm can help organize your business’s accounting finances, thanks to their knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis accounting and cannabis tax trends.
Marijuana Business Marketing and Branding – The right cannabis consulting agency wants you to succeed. To ensure you remain competitive and relevant, they can provide marketing services that increase brand awareness and improve brand development.
Because marijuana remains illegal on a federal level, it’s important to remember that your state may have certain restrictions when it comes to marketing marijuana. Because a cannabis consulting company has extensive knowledge in specific state marijuana marketing laws, they will ensure there is nothing illegal about your branding and marketing campaigns. This includes everything from your web design and your social media content to ad campaigns on other media outlets. The marijuana consulting company can also implement your online marketing strategy, while keeping in mind compliance regulations.
Entering the cannabis industry doesn’t necessarily mean putting up your own business. A way to get started in legal marijuana businesses is by investing in cannabis stocks, cannabis companies, and more. A good place to start is to invest in one of the hundreds of cannabis companies currently on the stock exchange. A cannabis business consultancy can also offer their expertise on how to invest intelligently so you get your return on investment.
Cannabis consulting companies provide a wide range of services. As the business owner, you are in control, running your business the way you planned. However, the right cannabis consultant is there as a strategic partner to ensure your investment is safeguarded and that you ultimately enjoy a significant ROI. Because comprehensive cannabis business consulting agencies have a team of cannabis advisors ranging from professional application writers and facility design teams to branding experts and cannabis compliance officers, they ensure you stay on track, compliant, competitive, and successful in the cannabis industry.
Higher Yields Consulting is a Marijuana Consulting Group comprised of industry experts with decades of combined experience in the legal industry. Whether you are looking to get into the business or already have a license we can help your business succeed. Call (844) HI-YIELD to schedule a free initial consultation.
In the midst of life in the time of COVID-19, grocery stores are working 24/7 to thwart toilet paper pandemonium and keep staples like bread, bacon, and canned beans in stock. Meanwhile, doomsday preppers are sharing tips on Youtube, and guns and ammo are selling well – and so is cannabis. Cannabis is proving to be recession-proof, but there are still challenges. Learn what’s going on in the cannabis industry in a time of business as unusual.
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