(This is a contributed guest column. To be considered as an MJBizDaily guest columnist, please submit your request here.)

Stacy Litke (Courtesy photo)

As cannabis banking becomes increasingly competitive – particularly in states with mature markets – financial institutions are being pushed to rethink their strategies.

While cannabis accounts offer the ability to add core deposits, the real opportunity is in lending.

For banks and credit unions willing to embrace the risks of this high-growth industry, the rewards can be substantial for lenders and borrowers alike.

The cannabis sector requires tens of billions of dollars annually just to sustain operations; even greater capital is needed to fuel growth.

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According to an October 2024 report from Oregon-headquartered Whitney Economics, “The U.S. cannabis industry will need between

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The freewheeling days for hemp-derived THC in America appear to be dwindling.

After a seven-year boom for hemp-derived THC products, lawmakers are pursuing blanket bans or disruptively strict regulations on intoxicating hemp products in about a dozen states, a situation that’s sowing deep anxieties across the industry, advocates and operators told MJBizDaily.

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In contrast to the blanket ban on hemp-THC products imposed last fall in California, little of the nationwide hemp crackdown seems immediately poised to help struggling operators in the regulated marijuana industry who saw hemp as an unwelcome competitor playing by different rules.

In some of the new restrictive laws, hemp operators see the hand of an alcohol industry aware that young people are drinking less and keen to capture a

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(This is a contributed guest column. To be considered as an MJBizDaily guest columnist, please submit your request here.)

Adam Wilks (Courtesy photo)

Expanding a marijuana brand across international markets is a thrilling and challenging endeavor.

The global cannabis industry is experiencing rapid evolution, with new markets opening up and consumer attitudes shifting in favor of regulation and accessibility.

For companies aiming to scale internationally, the journey involves more than just logistical expansion; it requires grappling with intricate regulatory landscapes, understanding cultural nuances and building strategic partnerships.

Yet, the potential rewards are vast.

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Successful global operations not only diversify revenue streams but also position brands as leaders in a dynamic and increasingly competitive industry.

Navigating complex regulatory landscapes

One of the most significant challenges in

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