3 Things to Know About Starting a Marijuana Dispensary Business

March 23, 2020 • By Benjamin Wilson
The estimated reading time is 4 minutes

In recent years the marijuana business has really taken over the United States as more states are making it legal for recreational and medical use. As more research is being done about its significant effect on cancer patients, anxiety, depression, and inflammatory diseases, the market continues to rise. 

Right now, it's the perfect business to get into if you're thinking, "I love growing marijuana!" There's a lot to know about this type of business. It's not just selling little baggies on the streets anymore to your college buddies, and marijuana is a respectable and profitable business to start. 

Currently, there are eleven states in the United States that have legalized both recreational and medical cannabis use, with 21 states that have legal, medical use of marijuana. It's likely that in the next few years, all states will allow the selling of it for both purposes.

We're going to go over some things you should know if you're thinking about starting a marijuana dispensary business.

Do it Legally

As exciting it is to plan your business approach; this is the type of business that you want to be very careful with regarding legality. In most places around the States, it's only been legal for a few years, if that! 

Thoroughly research all laws and rules before setting up your business. In most states, you have to acquire a license to open a marijuana business. Also, each state has different regulations regarding the growing and selling of marijuana. 

Just because your friend in another state set up their business this way, doesn't mean it will work for you. You don't want to find yourself with legal trouble while trying to set up a business and probably investing a lot of money into it as well. 

Ask a local authority or lawyer about how you should approach setting up your company to ensure you're doing everything correctly. 

Be Unique

Many dispensaries are popping up in your location, so why should people go to your shop? Before opening your doors, you need to take an honest look at your business plan and figure out how your company is going to stand out from the others. 

It wouldn't be a bad idea to scope out your competition in your area. See what they have to offer to the public with products and strain types. 

Maybe you have a rare type of marijuana or an edible that no one else is offering. Also, you can set up loyalty programs for discounts or better deals. You could hold events that draw people into your shop that are fundraisers for charity. 

Whatever your plan is, make sure it will make your company stand out from the others around you. 

Have a Legitimate Business Plan

Although this type of business is more relaxed and can be very enjoyable work, especially if you enjoy smoking marijuana yourself, it's important to remember if you're investing a lot of money into this business to take it seriously

It works in a similar way to other small businesses. It would be best if you had a plan about how you want to run your business, marketing ideas, an accountant, and a vision for the future. Also, you have to think about if you're going to have employees and how you'll find trustworthy ones if you do. 

It would help if you considered sales tackets and how you'll keep customers coming back to your spot. Do you want an online presence? Maybe you'll have to spend some time setting up a website, social media accounts, emails, and a business bank account. 

There’s a lot to think about and plan if you're thinking about doing this as a career that will sustain you in the future. 

The Bottom Line 

If you're ready to put in some hard work and start a dispensary, then we think you should! It can be gratifying work if you're helping those who find comfort in marijuana products to improve them in daily life, or even just to relax after work

The marijuana business has an exponential possibility of making a substantial profit in the future. It looks like the business will continue to grow in legality and popularity. As more research is discovered, then the demand will increase as well. 

If you're thinking about opening a dispensary of your own, the things to remember are to do it legally, to be creative and individual in your approach, and have a serious business plan to stick to.

Benjamin Wilson

He is a fitness trainer and part-time blogger interested in nutrition and in leading a healthy lifestyle. He writes smart and inspirational articles on nutrition supported by scientific research and his own personal experience in the healthcare industry.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram