business

Getting started in California's legal cannabis market can take a minimum initial investment of $500,000. 

• Operating costs, licensing fees, equipment and cannabis inputs are all expensive components of establishing a cannabis business. 
• It can take upwards of $500,000 to start a cannabis...

A cannabis accounting firm can save you from fines, penalties, and make sure your business is set up to grow sustainably. 

• Hiring a non-cannabis specific accounting firm can lead to accidental errors or oversights that may cause big problems in the future. 
• Look for a firm that has a...

Variable expenses are highly irregular in the cannabis market – here's how to keep track of them so your business doesn't go under. 

• Set aside $200,000 in case of emergencies. 
• Make sure your business is 75% ready to open before you even apply for a local license.
• Keep meticulous records...

Spend time carefully vetting each new employee to reduce employee turnover costs and minimize your risk of fraud. 

• Put your network to work to help you find someone who comes highly recommended and has a good reputation. 
• Make sure you're registered as a business entity – you will need to...

If you're new to California's cannabis industry, start here to with these key ingredients you need to get off the ground. 

• You must find properly zoned real estate to even have your cannabis business application considered. 
• Not every city allows for every type of cannabis business: see...

Competition for cannabis real estate is steep – follow these steps to get a jump on finding a location for your dispensary. 

• Budget at least six to eight months of full-time searching to locate your property.
• A city's first reading of proposed zoning ordinances should spark your property...

There are lots of investors looking to get a piece of California's cannabis market – here's how to find one. 

• Before you pitch, decide if you're asking for a loan or selling ownership stakes. 
• There are also crowdfunding sites built specifically for cannabis businesses you could try. 
• ...

Nonprofit, C-Corp, LLC: what business structure offers the best tax benefits for new cannabis companies?

• A multi-entity structure limits your liability and can protect your interest – but also create a logistical nightmare.
• C-Corp is one of the most popular options, but beware the double...