As with any business, medical marijuana dispensaries owners face many difficulties in getting their businesses started. Contrary to traditional businesses, entrepreneurs in medical marijuana dispensaries often have more difficulty obtaining business services or dealing with negative public opinion. The ultimate case of NIMBY – not in my backyard is when medical marijuana dispensaries owners find it hard to obtain leases in more affluent locations and are relegated in less desirable areas, increasing their chances of being robbed and broken into. While people want access to medical marijuana for card-carrying patients, they do not want the shops in their own neighbourhoods.
You can break-in anywhere
Two recent incidents revealed that the motivation was the same: obtaining marijuana. In Colorado Springs, a number of times its dumpster was taken. To find marijuana, thieves used bolt cutters to cut open the trash can. Trunk has been found on nearby trails and in parks. Langley, BC: A man who legally grew marijuana at home opened his doors to two men with car trouble to help them. They forced him into his house, held a knife and gun to his head, blindfolded him and then proceeded with the robbery and cutting down his marijuana plants. They stole both of his vehicles and fled.
Entrepreneurs Would Benefit from Legitimate Business Services
Banks or merchant account providers cannot do much for domestic growers. However, dispensaries could benefit from the same business services that other businesses have. This would reduce the attractiveness of these storefronts for burglars and petty thieves. MMJ dispensaries are attractive because of the marijuana they offer, but also because of the untraceable cash. Owners discovered that clients prefer to pay by credit card if they can process transactions for Maryland Greenscript Cannabis. The vulnerability of a place decreases drastically when there is not enough cash.
These services are difficult to obtain because, while certain states have legalized medical marijuana for card-carrying individuals, the federal government does not recognize marijuana as a state issue. Pot remains illegal at the federal level. Banks are dependent on the FDIC to provide insurance for their account holders and must follow many federal regulations.
What does the Future Hold?
It is impossible to predict how the fight for legalization of marijuana will unfold. Some cities that have already approved MMJ sales are trying to reverse the decision, while others are working to increase service and availability. This is best illustrated by the historical re-legalization after prohibition of alcohol. The number of crimes related to the sale of alcohol has decreased dramatically. It is easy to see why the federal and the state governments would both be interested in legalizing MMJ. This would be a welcome development for business owners as it would mean that all necessary business services are available.