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 }
  • Katelyn September 1, 2017, 10:59 am

    I just finished my school got my masters n cannabis but now im moving to colodaro soon to start my own business now i just need to be guided on whats the next step

  • Wisberty Torres August 2, 2017, 12:11 pm

    I’m super interested in starting in Florida I’m super ok with partnering with people or even just learning more so that I can start my own please anyone who can guide or aid me even if it’s anything plz email me at Filoteaobarbershop@yahoo.com

  • mitch dufrene July 20, 2017, 12:45 pm

    I have contacts and support for a top to bottom start up.Supply is not a problem
    Lawyers are on board with facts!Bring investors in pic a location that’s best for the dispensary? Its doable!

  • Cynthia June 19, 2017, 4:26 pm

    I am a cannabis broker in socal and have some top shelf limited edition indica strains that is very potent, and going for a reasonable price . If anybody is interested hit me up at
    Greenhouseorganics420@gmail.com

  • rose June 17, 2017, 6:35 pm

    Hey guys!
    I’m Rose and I and my team have been growing pots now for over 15 years and we have been very successful with our business. W e have been able to distribute pots on a large scale within the US and over 40 countries Worldwide for the past 15 years now. We are looking to expand and all the same investors are welcome. Also we can supply weed of any amount to those who have dispensaries or those who want to start the weed business by wholesaling\retailing. Please interested persons should contact us via email at..rosemaine53@gmail.com for more details.
    Thanks.

  • jamesbstjohn April 30, 2017, 1:49 pm

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  • Native Girl April 21, 2017, 12:25 pm

    I am interested in finding out who I contact to get a license to sell Marijauana in AZ and in Nm? I am looking to find a job that I can work with for the rest of my life and have a career in it. Thanks.
    Who do we contact for the exact steps in the state, and so I can find out how to go about developing this business? I wan to be totally legal.

    • john ross June 29, 2017, 10:30 pm

      How much does a pound of some good Cali weed go for in Arizona? Do you know? I’m thinking about branching out that way.

  • buy marijuana online March 25, 2017, 7:25 pm

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  • Kody March 16, 2017, 1:05 am

    What would be the proper steps for this kind of venture when/if the law passes in Texas? Any help out there on this state?

    • I 2win April 25, 2017, 4:43 pm

      Did you find anything yet?

  • Rachel February 7, 2017, 10:44 am

    I’m super interested in starting in Florida I’m super ok with partnering with people or even just learning more so that I can start my own please anyone who can guide or aid me even if it’s anything plz email me at rbenjamin24@gmail.com

    • jamesbstjohn April 30, 2017, 1:46 pm

      If you need buds in bulk, contact nicholasmitcheal@gmail.com also text 9162819308. You will get it send to you any where you are

  • Rachel February 7, 2017, 10:33 am

    Hey I’m interested in either starting up a dispensary in Orlando Florida or partnering with someone in the southwest Florida .. please let me know asap

    • jamesbstjohn April 30, 2017, 1:46 pm

      Hello, If you need buds in bulk, contact nicholasmitcheal@gmail.com also text 9162819308. You will get it send to you any where you are

    • Brian August 26, 2017, 10:57 am

      I’m looking for the same things you are. Please lets network.

  • Kristy January 26, 2017, 9:32 pm

    I am looking into becoming an investor in an upcoming dispensary in Colorado. If anyone is interested please email. Thank you in advance

    • jamesbstjohn April 30, 2017, 1:47 pm

      Hi friends, If you need buds in bulk, contact nicholasmitcheal@gmail.com also text 9162819308. You will get it send to you any where you are

    • Niko Randolph May 28, 2017, 11:57 am

      Hello, I was inquiring if your offer still stands

    • Wyatt weinkauf September 4, 2017, 1:01 am

      Hello my name is Wyatt Weinkauf and I am looking for someone to help me start a Despensary in Colorado I currently live in Texas and looking to become a entreprenuer in the medical marijuana industry.. If you can help I would be very grateful. My number is 325-280-5312. Please message back if your interested.

    • Frederic October 6, 2017, 6:27 pm

      Email me

  • LaStar Brown January 9, 2017, 8:27 pm

    In need of Investors for solid biz proposal for Cannabis dispensary here in Central California. Just like IoT ( Internet of Things) California’s Marijuana industry is the next thing BIG THING, don’t get left out.

    • Frederic October 6, 2017, 6:27 pm

      Email me

  • Maynard January 8, 2017, 10:53 pm

    How many people do you need to be considered a collective?

  • U December 12, 2016, 5:09 am

    I’m from California and I’m looking for someone who has all the license to sell medical marijuana in California. I have an investor who is willing to help me as long as I get the percentage of the profit.

    Hulksmash2000@gmail.com

    • Latoya April 29, 2017, 10:04 am

      I want to collaborate I’m going to get the license and permits…i live in the california central valley and there’s a need for it here…

    • Frederic October 6, 2017, 6:27 pm

      Email me

  • Kesahn Artis December 8, 2016, 4:02 pm

    I’ll invest, partner up with anybody serious, who’s willing to take a risk to actually get it started. I’m in Florida but am willing to travel. contact me at artis8720@gmail.com or at 3864572866 or you can shoot me your Facebook so we can live face chat.

    • Latoya April 29, 2017, 10:06 am

      Interested….im located in California..im going to get licensed and gather the permits but it’s challenging to break into the business alone..let me know if you want to collaborate

    • jamesbstjohn April 30, 2017, 1:48 pm

      Hey ma G, If you need buds in bulk, contact nicholasmitcheal@gmail.com also text 9162819308. You will get it send to you any where you are

  • josh December 7, 2016, 11:48 am

    Hello my name is josh. Im wanting to open up a shop in santa bararbra and an looking for investors. We already have a business plan set up and would love to go over it with you. Thank you in advance!
    559-560-8181

    • Jan Lyles-Brown August 12, 2017, 6:48 pm

      Hi Josh,
      What is the investment amount that you require? I am thinking about opening one however, I would rather be in partnership with someone.
      Thank you.
      Jan(510) 867-1358

    • Frederic October 6, 2017, 6:28 pm

      Email me

  • josh December 7, 2016, 11:20 am

    Hello my name is josh. Im wanting to open up a shop in santa bararba and an looking for investors. We already have a business plan set up and would love to go over it with you. Thank you in advance!

    • Frederic October 5, 2017, 1:39 am

      Hi
      Is this sta barbara california?
      How much are you looking for? Do you have all the requirements to start selling already?

  • Olivia December 5, 2016, 10:49 pm

    I’m not looking to open a dispensary but I wanted to make products for dispensaries to sell, would I need to go though the same process and get the same licensing?

  • Dwayne December 4, 2016, 6:28 am

    Medicinal marijuana is now legal in FL. and I live in Miami. I’m definitely interested in opening a dispensary somewhere in Miami Beach. Don’t know why I’m typing this now, guess I’m just excited to start this up. Gonna do the research and make this happen. Good luck or God bless, whichever your more comfortable with.

    • Rhiannon Brownell June 28, 2017, 5:31 am

      Hi Dwayne! I’m in Tampa! Let me know how it goes for you!

  • Steven November 27, 2016, 9:52 pm

    Hello my name is Steven I’m a very passionate person when it comes to what I love to do which is cultivate marijuana legally and help people with there issues !!!! We are a family operated team of skilled growers, a culinary chef, and all around hardworking people. Looking for investors to help setup a dispensary in Delaware. Leave email if interested.

  • Elliot chavez November 25, 2016, 5:53 pm

    Hi my name is Elliot Chavez. Im looking for investors, I would like to open up a dispensary in Naples, Florida.

  • Kyle Reynolds November 15, 2016, 10:51 am

    I would like to open up a distribution facility where we grow it and sell it to stores you provide it to the customers. I don’t want to deal the people side. If anyone is interested let me know.

    • Jan Lyles-Brown August 12, 2017, 6:53 pm

      Hi Kyle,
      I am interested and would like to know what capital do you require?

      Thank you.
      Jan Lyles-Brown
      (510) 867-1358

    • Wyatt weinkauf September 4, 2017, 1:06 am

      Hello my name is Wyatt Weinkauf and I am looking for someone to help me start a Despensary I currently live in Texas and looking to become a entreprenuer in the medical marijuana industry.. If you can help I would be very grateful. My number is 325-280-5312. Please message back if your interested.

  • Chris November 13, 2016, 1:57 pm

    I am looking for inverstors to start up in the state of Arkansas. The law was just passed for medicinal uses. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hayden November 10, 2016, 3:50 pm

    My brother and I are residents in FL Port Saint Lucie area and have been interested in starting up our own Dispensary in this area. As many already know FL is now open to the medical marijuana and I believe my brother and I are ready and have what it takes to make our store most popular in FL area. Any serious inquires please Email or Call. We need serious investors/ partners that have the same vision . 954-801-5494.

  • tara November 10, 2016, 9:16 am

    Im interested in starting a dispensary in Arkansas. Need some advice or tips on how to be successful at my goal.

  • ANTHONY November 10, 2016, 6:52 am

    Hi don’t know if i am jumping the gun or not but i am in GA. Just trying to figure out how to be come a medical marijuana dispensary and grower have my own land want to get the ball rolling before it will become legal. cause it is coming soon…. If anyone has some info please email me back any info BLEEDGREEN1505@GMAIL.COM

    THANK YOU

  • Lulu November 9, 2016, 8:54 pm

    I am interested in cultivating and sell to the dispensers.

    • Brian August 26, 2017, 11:15 am

      interested in networking and maybe other aspects of business.

  • Shawn Henderson November 9, 2016, 2:28 pm

    I have 212 acres in Georgia that can be leased out to grow marijuana on. Is there any marijuana growers out there that would be interested? Email me with quotas.

    • Wyatt weinkauf September 4, 2017, 1:14 am

      Hello my name is the Wyatt Weinkauf and I’m looking to start a business in the medical marijuana industry. I currently live in Texas I am 17 I turn 18 in March I’m doing a lot of research right now. Becoming a entrepreneur has been a big dream of mine and I am willing to do whatever it takes to become one. My number is 325-280-5312 message me back if you think that you can.

    • Dwayne September 5, 2017, 8:20 pm

      Is offer still open

  • RK November 9, 2016, 2:03 pm

    anybody want to open dispensary in long beach California.

  • Nate305 November 9, 2016, 6:51 am

    Looking for investors to open a dispensary in the new play ground of Miami, florida.

  • Andres November 9, 2016, 6:16 am

    I’m based out of Florida, looking to partner up with someone to open up a dispensery, contact me through email.

    • Chris July 25, 2017, 12:02 am

      I am ready to get started in this growing economy booming business. I want to be a part of this and would love to hear your business plan and what you have done already to make this a reality. I want to know what kind of investment you are looking for and how much of the business is going to mine for my investment. Please contact me email or call 8138581523

  • Jonathan Rojas November 3, 2016, 1:20 am

    There are very many things to look at when starting a marijuana business. Some of the most important ones however will include the following: research properly on your target audience, know their age, salaries, and their preferences. Also choose the right location (in the US that should be far from daycares, recreational facilities, and schools among other things. Additionally you should understand that hiring the right employees is very important, having the right name, putting up proper security, having a proper marketing strategy, and above all acquiring the right permits and licenses. Have also a marijuana lawyer or consultants for easy registration process.

  • Luis Lopez November 1, 2016, 9:05 pm

    Opening one in Florida anyone can point me to a good attorney that knows the buisness. Thanks

  • Earl October 24, 2016, 8:49 pm

    Hi my name is earl. I want to eventually start a business in virginia especially in the location of the 7 cities. Due to the large amount of veterians with PTSD and other vets that lots of issues after their deployments becoming a distributor in VA will help them have a place to buy marijuana with out the guilt. When ever Virginia legalizes marijuana i want to partner up with any one that is will to teach me and help me get my licensing. Thank you for reading.

    Very respectfully,
    Earl.

  • Leoness October 20, 2016, 3:15 pm

    Looking to open a dispensary in socal area…in the Inland Empire.I have money to start and I’m seeking a partner.I prefer someone who has investors or funds to also help with the set up.If your interested let me know.

    • Frederic October 6, 2017, 6:29 pm

      Email me

  • kazim October 19, 2016, 11:54 am

    Hello every one,My Name is Kazim Rajiha,I am 16 years old from Aleppo Syria.My both parents were killed a week ago in a rebel attacked.I am looking for a honest person to be my business partner to invest my late father deposited funds of $2.5million usd.I have all proof of deposit with me. Iam willing to offer you 50% of the income we make
    I will love to go back to school and start a new life as the life here is very rough
    you can reach me via my private email,honest person only please
    kazimrajiha11@gmail.com

  • Kelly October 5, 2016, 1:21 pm

    Names kelly I live in Michigan. Just got out of the marine corps after 4 years of service and I’m going to college now. As a side project I want to open a chain of dispenceries, but I need someone who knows the business to help.

    • Brian August 26, 2017, 11:22 am

      I created this desire to help the world, and all its troubles.

  • HB October 2, 2016, 1:30 am

    LOOKING FOR AN INVESTOR! 26 years old living in Jersey. I currently own and run a landscaping company that I started from scratch and have much success with.. I have quite the green thumb as does my small close group of friends. 1-4 growers.. I’ve seen the miracles this plant has done and it breaks my heart to know that half of the world has NO idea what PROPER cultivation cannabis is like… Proper curing, TLC, Time and LOVE Dumped into them.. Out of this world.. We recently lost my fiances father to stage 4 pancreas cancer after they gave him 2 months to live. Pops went on another strong 7 years thanks to cannabis!!!!! Ever since hes left I have this burning deep down that I need to be apart of this world changing movement!! From the medical stand points, to the positive personal experiences to providing as honest as I can living for my family and our team.. I love it. I’m young, but wise, and am HUNGRY!! I’m OPEN to locations, but would love to start something in PA, DE, or NJ (<- Hate our laws) I'm looking for a partner who could assist in the initial stat up costs/licensing etc etc. I am a contractor, so building / renovating anything will not be a problem.. I'd love to share more with the right person… If interested please email me at aychebee.nj@gmail.com

  • Carson September 30, 2016, 4:39 pm

    I am looking for a venture capitalist and potential partners in North Port and Port Charlotte Fl. I am a pharmacist with a location for dispensaries and grows. I have a business plan, business name and am ready to make contacts. Email me at Harborview@startmail.com

  • Andre Luk September 30, 2016, 6:03 am

    Interesting analysis . For my two cents , if someone needs a CA BOE-400-SPA , my family filled out and esigned a fillable form here”https://goo.gl/IV9TRz“.

  • Janis September 14, 2016, 4:11 pm

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  • LIO a September 11, 2016, 9:29 pm

    i DO HAVE lAND IN SOTHERN cal. any one wants to Invest in growing marijuana please email me

    Thanks Lio a

  • Adriana Mazutis September 6, 2016, 7:00 am

    Looking for growers interested in AZ. Looks like we will be legal soon

  • Roz McCarthy August 31, 2016, 2:02 pm

    Hi I’m looking to connect with business savvy dispensary owners who know how to set up from start to finish. We are based in Florida the initiative is on the November ballot. Please email me

  • Blake Wright August 22, 2016, 5:16 pm

    Hello my name is Blake and I would like some advice.i kinda just some help with keeping some support in the community. I am soon to have all the money to cover all the start up costs. BTW I’m opening up in Ohio

    • Latoya October 2, 2017, 8:45 am

      Looking to open a dispenser in Indy can we talk

  • Saundra August 14, 2016, 7:14 am

    Marijuana was just lega lied for medical use. I have alot of family that could benefit from this type of therapy. I would like to open a shop, but do not know where to begin. I do not know if there is a retail aspect, where I can purchase for resale to consumers. Any suggestions or how to begin

  • Jamar Javier Nichols August 9, 2016, 7:35 pm

    ** PA RESIDENTS ONLY **.

    I am aggressive gaining knowledge using many sources such as oaksterdam, thcuniversity etc so I can understand how my state Pennsylvania will handle this green rush . I am seeking anybody who is equally passionate on helping people and running this business ( dispensary) please reach out

    What I offer : top tier sales experience , legal & medical resource and working on a grower as I type this

    Javihyundai@gmail.com

  • Myk August 9, 2016, 10:13 am

    I would like more information on how to open a dispensery in Louisiana once it becomes legal. Just trying to get ahead of the game. Please email me ALL of the information you have on obtaining a license and all. Thanks again.

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