How To Start A Medical Marijuana Dispensary

First I would ask why you want to open a dispensary?  If part of your answer is the reward of helping people then go ahead.  The day to day operations with customers will be the most rewarding, then the money. If you do it solely for the money, Karma will come back and kick you. Now let’s talk about the deets.

There are currently thirteen states who have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana. Each one of these thirteen states has different laws surrounding the purchase and distribution of marijuana. First you want to do all of your own research, but here is a quick break down of most states’ processes. Second you want to follow all state laws and don’t antagonize the feds who might still want to bust you, even though it is legal under state law.

  1. Get legal!This is just common sense plain and simple.
    • Business Acumen. This can be a long process, for example, Marijuana dealers in Arizona and New Mexico must go through the state to obtain a license. They must also acquire tax stamps showing that they have paid the state tax requirements on all sales of marijuana. Enjoy the Process :-).
    • Become a Patient. If you’re going to be in this field, your going to be around it so get yourself covered by Visiting a doctor, it’s easy. If you can, call around first to find one that will write you a script that will cover you for possessing more then the generally accepted legal limit if it’s possible. For example, if you live in California, you’re allowed to possess up to 6 mature and 12 immature plants in general but if a doctor recommends more then you’re allowed to possess more but never have more then 99 plants or 5 pounds because it brings federal charges.
  2. Incorporate. There’s a specific order of steps you need to follow. You need to create a collective as a non-profit corporation first, before you can get your licenses and permits. It’s recommended you form a collective and not a cooperative. legalzoom.com or hire a lawyer to make sure the paper work is right so their are no questions on liability.
  3. Sign a lease. You need to do this one last step before you can file for any licenses and permits. Why? The sellers permit and business license requires an address for your location; it’s no good anywhere else.
  4. Obtain a License. Ok, your finally ready to file for licenses and permits. Don’t skip this step, medical marijuana transactions are taxable by law. Usually, An annual fee of $100 is required to become licensed to sell marijuana.
  5. Pay Taxes. Tax stamps are $10 per every ounce you sell, don’t cut corners on this, pay your taxes, you will still be making money. All fees are payable to the Department of Revenue
  6. Open up for business!Don’t skimp out on security, it’s improtant. At least one security camera is required. Follow the law and keep a low profile, no matter what you do it’s still a risk in this business, but it is good to know that you are helping people. Good luck!
    • Security. Watch your parking lot. Not enough people do and it leads to trouble. People loiter, roll up and sell bud to their friends and it makes you a target

 

For more information check out our Business Plans for Dispensaries at http://theweedbusiness.com/business-plans

{ 697 comments… add one }
  • Allan Sookhai March 18, 2019, 8:25 am

    New Jersey like you obtained permit and license phone#4045795628

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  • Carl and Christine Carter August 15, 2018, 3:22 pm

    My husband And I are NM cannabis patients and also have our PPL’s. The closest dispensary to us, is 65 miles away. We live just out of city limits, about 4 miles from town. We own our 12 acre property and live on the property. We have a new well, and 3 acres of water rights. We are 3 miles from our small airport, have no neighbors within a mile and own our property without liens or loans. We are considering opening a dispensary and a production facility. Any advice, information or investors, please leave info or contact us. We are serious, so if you are not serious, don’t waste our time or yours.

  • Takea McClain July 13, 2018, 6:58 pm

    I live in Nashville, TN. Though not legal, I do believe starting the process in either another state and creating franchise opportunities for when Medical Marijuana opens here. Will not only be profitable because there are so many great well known hospitals like Vanderbilt, would open doors for those suffering from disorders, pains and/anxiety and other ailments. I am driven and determined in this area. I may not know everything but there is nothing I can’t learn. I want the opportunity to open the first Minority owned dispensaries. With your experience in investing, we can lead the Bible belt area with minimal competition.

  • Dean Higginbotham June 1, 2018, 9:13 am

    I am interested is selling medical marijuana in my vapor lounge. Will you please contact me at 863-273-5171? Thank you.

  • Dornell May 27, 2018, 1:54 am

    Greetings Mr. John,

  • quinton neal May 14, 2018, 11:28 pm

    The state of Illinois has legalized the use of medical marijuana and on the verge of legalizing recreational weed and me and some investors are looking into obtaining our own dispensary……

  • Erica Walker April 13, 2018, 7:59 am

    I’m a 100% disable veteran that wants to be the first Oklahoma dispensary. It will become legal in June.

  • wesley gragg January 9, 2018, 3:29 pm

    I’m from okc and Idont know all the ins and outs but if they pass this law in okc I want to be one of the first place to go but I need help and advice so if we could talk that would be huge thanks so much

  • john January 7, 2018, 1:47 am

    Please contact storepulls@yahoo.com .

    Lets talk. What state are you in? we are in Ca.

    Thanks, John

  • Jonv January 3, 2018, 12:38 am

    I have the service that is going to change the face of the industry and the way we purchase marijuana email me

  • melvin.K December 15, 2017, 6:46 pm

    I live in Ohio.and I want to start a business for medical marijuana for those who need it.it really helps those who need it.i been growing for 2yrs i been learning alot from web sights..they help but so many do different things..so i just do wat i fill is right.the plants are like a human they need lights,air,water..simple …but there’s alot i would love to know.i don’t have alot money so i grow with cfl it works just takes longer.i need big space…welp thanks for the info..

  • Ricky Bello October 8, 2017, 3:23 pm

    Investor looking into invest into an start up marijuana dispensary , I’m always willing to listen to any ideas or proposals any one may have to offer.
    Please make sure to include as much of a cannabis business plan/proposal. This will help me better understand your wants, needs and goals pertaining to this business. Feel free to cantare me a the the email provided

    • Jaime Lopez December 8, 2017, 3:29 am

      Hi . I am a young marijuana enthusiasts and grower . I have a good knowledge of growing and cultivating grade A bud. I am a medical patient as well, but I have to renew it. I also have a keen sense of handling the profit exchange and exact measurements. I’d would like to talk to you some more . Please feel free to drop me an email. Thank you. Have a good day.

    • Jay December 26, 2017, 10:34 am

      Email me I’m looking for a partner to open another dispensary

    • Felipe Barron January 3, 2018, 12:02 am

      Would like to know all requirements to opening a dispensary
      In California.
      Please contact me.

    • Jatone January 21, 2018, 2:39 am

      Hey Mr. I’m Jay. I’m 24 Yrs Old I live in the District of Columbia and I’m looking to open a Legal Weed Dispensary. I am In need of mentor, Please contact me. Thank you

    • Wednesday Mayer January 24, 2018, 4:58 pm

      NJ is about to open up legality. I am a graphic artist with some serious vision about where and how this is going to work in NJ. I am forming business plans now and will have 2 separate plans ready to go when licensing is available. If you are serious about getting in on the green rush I will email you when the plans have been formulated and developed with a experienced business and development partner within the next 6 weeks. I can be reached at the website below or email listed in the reply.

      • Darren July 13, 2018, 12:23 pm

        Interested in getting involved in the mariujana Business.

      • Chris Cavounis December 4, 2018, 11:23 am

        I currently have a grow facility for sale in Denver Co. Please feel free to contact me to further discuss.

    • Heidi Styke January 28, 2018, 1:47 am

      Hi Ricky,

      I am a resident of North Dakota where Medical Marijuana has been legal since Nov 2016 and unfortunately, to this date, there is not even 1 dispensary open in the state. The application process has been posted to the state public website and it reads that initially only 8 dispensaries and 2 producers will be chosen to service 8 regions of the state. I want to be the one chosen to open a dispensary in my region! I am located in Jamestown with a population of approx. 15k. Majority of the residents are 50+ years of age and we have several rural communities I hope to serve as well, within a 50 mile radius as defined by the ND Dept. of Health. The applications will be scored by a panel of people that apparently haven’t been chosen yet, from what I can tell. North Dakota Legislative Council have proposed some new rules to be considered by the legislative Administrative Rules Committee presented at the upcoming March 2018 meeting. If the legislative committee approves the proposed rules, (I am not sure of the changes proposed) the earliest they could be effective is April 1, 2018.am. It’s disappointing they keep dragging their feet and seem to be making this whole process most difficult with constant changes and disorganization. I am eager, ambitious and in the early stages of gathering as much information, resources and partnerships as I can to begin this fantastic and rewarding journey of helping to finally provide and educate our community about this wonderful, natural, alternative remedy. I realize you requested a business plan, that is what I am working on currently and how I found this website, actually. If this sounds like a journey you, (or anyone else who reads this) would be interested in, then please let me know what other details I can provide to assist you in making your decision. Thank you for your time Sincerely, Heidi Styke

      • quinton neal May 14, 2018, 11:21 pm

        I would like to see a example of your business plan,,,,,

      • Chris Cavounis December 4, 2018, 11:24 am

        I currently have a grow facility for sale in Denver Co. Please feel free to contact me to further discuss.

    • Stephen Allen Terry March 19, 2018, 12:26 pm

      Hello, I am a 24 year old graduate student interested in starting a delivery service for Worcester, Massachusetts when recreational sales become legal this summer.
      If you have any advice, I welcome it.
      Sincerely,
      Stephen Terry
      8505725397

    • Erica Walker April 13, 2018, 8:30 am

      I’m a 100% disable veteran that wants to be the first Oklahoma dispensary. It will become legal in June.

    • Cyrus watts June 17, 2018, 7:14 pm

      If you have any time I would like to talk to you about investing

    • Ryan Blan June 25, 2018, 6:39 pm

      Oklahoma is on the verge of becoming legal. I am very passionate about marijuana and have been for many years. I want to be the first/best dispensary open. Looking for a partner that has good connections. Bachelors degree in business and experience.

    • macgick July 10, 2018, 11:28 pm

      you can reach me @7043106933 i need a investor bad lets talk..

    • Chris Cavounis December 4, 2018, 11:21 am

      I currently have a grow facility for sale in Denver Co. Please feel free to contact me to further discuss.

  • Jim September 24, 2017, 11:19 am

    Looking to start a dispensary in Texas for when it becomes legal to sell weed in Texas. I already have a partner and have quick access to a place to lease. Any information would be appreciated.

    • Angel December 16, 2017, 4:28 pm

      I haven’t gotten any feedback but , I want to partner up on this business cause , we will need one in Houston . It will be in legalized in Houston soon.I want to have all preparations in place to operate .

    • Jatone January 21, 2018, 2:40 am

      Hey Mr. John I’m Jay. I’m 24 Yrs Old I live in the District of Columbia and I’m looking to open a Legal Weed Dispensary. I am In need of mentor, Please contact me. Thank you

    • Chris Cavounis December 4, 2018, 11:24 am

      I currently have a grow facility for sale in Denver Co. Please feel free to contact me to further discuss.

    • Chris Cavounis December 4, 2018, 11:25 am

      I currently have a 12,000 sq ft grow facility for sale in Denver Co. Please feel free to contact me to further discuss.

  • John September 7, 2017, 10:18 am

    Hello,

    I have the sum of (US$3.7 M) which i want to transfer and use it for investment in Valuable real estate business,i am willing to invest into, Buying and Reselling of Real Estate Commercial properties, House Apartments, Warehouse, Recycling Business land, restaurant, hotels, wholesale, turnkey rentals and Inventory tools,agricultural,Construction project or any other lucrative activities in your Unit.

    Reply to me at your earliest convenient time for more information.

    Mr. John

    • Cory heath December 23, 2017, 5:06 pm

      I currently own a small business building and selling salt lamps they are similar to the himalayin salt lamps that are real popular only we build them with salt mined right here in rural UTAH . I have done real well and have sold everyone that I’ve made roughly 5 to 700 units. I am in need of an investor in order to
      Get big enough to be profitable I am also interested in starting my own medical marijuana dispenser you any help would be apreciated

    • Jonv January 3, 2018, 12:41 am

      I have the next big service that’s gonna change the way we sell and buy marijuana kindly reply to my email for more details valleycoservices@gmail.com

    • Andrea Green January 13, 2018, 9:05 pm

      Greetings Mr. John,
      My name is Andrea Green. I am a Real Estate Investor. I am looking for Investors to add to my Network.
      Thanks,
      Andrea Green

    • Robert lee March 9, 2018, 9:07 am

      Hello im a builder who have land looking for and private investor to come on board with me, developing a residential neighborhood total about 40 lots. Email me back or call 9033435423 I explain more. Thanks

    • steve July 15, 2018, 9:52 pm

      Looking for a Partner in a dispensary venture?

    • Ebony Gainer August 3, 2018, 2:36 am

      I have a very good business plan and proposal for a business that is much needed would like to discuss this with you give me 5mins I promise you will not be disappointed and will love the idea and investment.
      Contact me to discuss further
      Thank you

    • Chris Cavounis December 4, 2018, 11:27 am

      I currently have a 12,500 sq ft grow facility for sale in Denver Co. Please feel free to contact me to further discuss. Highly profitable location but currently we are overstretched and need to sell two locations.

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