Selling marijuana is a big business now that it’s legal in most states. But opening a dispensary isn’t easy.
Startup costs are high, and ongoing expenses are high, too. But you can make your cannabis business a success with the right plan and hard work. Follow these tips to get started:
Get a License
A business plan should be one of the first things you prepare when starting a new cannabis dispensary. This will help you map your goals and determine if the concept is viable for your community.
You will also need to secure a location for your dispensary. Find a spot with plenty of square footage to accommodate security checks, storage rooms, a showroom floor, and the necessary equipment. Additionally, you will need to set aside ample space for a parking lot.
Obtaining financing for your cannabis dispensary can be challenging, so asking for help from experts like GoToke.io is essential. Since medical marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the federal government, it’s illegal to bank with businesses selling it. As such, most financial institutions refuse to work with dispensaries.
As a result, many cannabis entrepreneurs turn to alternative financing options. One option is to use a cannabis website builder that offers a content management system (CMS). This will allow you to log in anytime to update your site, post blogs, add products, track sales, and more.
Create a Website
As cannabis is still illegal under federal law, banks will not lend money to marijuana-related businesses. In addition to the significant personal investment required to start a dispensary, you will also need a plan for raising the initial capital you require. Typically, this will involve some form of private equity or additional investors.
Once your dispensary has been licensed, you must get a website up and running. Using a dispensary web design service designed specifically for the cannabis industry can help you create an attractive and functional site. A good web design will integrate seamlessly with your POS system, making it easier for customers to place orders and pick up their products.
Next, you will need to hire staff for your dispensary. Using a specialized hiring solution for the cannabis industry can help you find and screen qualified candidates and schedule interviews with them in just one click. These tools can also help you track employee compliance, training, and payroll.
Hire Staff
Whether your retail business is a brick-and-mortar store or an online dispensary, you need a team of dependable staff to keep it running daily. This includes a manager, supervisors, and budtenders who can provide excellent customer service, answer customers’ questions, and manage your inventory while you’re away.
You may also need security staff to protect your customers and property from theft. The costs of on-site security can be pretty extensive – up to $50k, depending on your location and legal requirements, including Section 280E compliance.
Many municipalities restrict the number of licensed facilities they allow, and you’ll want to research these requirements before submitting your application. The city may require a completed business plan, proof of financing, and a complete staff list for background checks and fingerprinting purposes. In addition, there may be additional requirements for the specific license type you’re seeking. For instance, Arizona requires a minimum of $150k in available funds, while Nevada requires $250k or more.
Market Your Business
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, building a brand for your dispensary that sets you apart from the competition is essential. This will take more than modern decor and a great selection of products. It requires you to make a good impression on your clients and potential customers by establishing trust, showing your passion for the industry, and demonstrating your commitment to following local and state rules and regulations.
It’s also important to decide how your business will be structured, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. This will impact your registration requirements, tax obligations, and personal liability.
You’ll also need to decide what financial institutions to work with. Due to federal laws relating to Section 280E, banks aren’t always willing to work with dispensaries, so you’ll need to look into private marijuana banks or other financial services. Regardless of your set-up, you’ll need to invest significant capital. Your startup costs could reach $250k or more. This includes your POS system, on-the-floor equipment, and software subscriptions.
Build a Brand
Getting into the cannabis industry is a significant financial endeavor. Startup costs can run upwards of $250k. As a result, many investors and financial institutions are reluctant to finance the venture because of federal banking restrictions and regulatory hurdles.
Dispensaries must also satisfy stringent legal compliance requirements, including proving they are not involved in criminal activities. These regulations vary by state and even by local municipality.
As a result, it’s critical to create a solid business plan that clearly articulates your dispensary’s mission and goals. This plan will help you secure funding and prove to regulators that your business meets the highest standards of operation.
Another critical element of running a successful dispensary is strategic merchandising. The layout and arrangement of products on the sales floor directly impact customer experience and, ultimately, bottom-line profits. It’s also essential to build a consistent brand reflected in your website, on-the-floor customer service, and all other touchpoints. You only get one chance to make a first impression!