The marijuana business is a very fast-growing commodity, with more and more companies and vendors setting up shop every day. However, lots of these companies, as well as existing ones, like our own, are having to deal with one huge problem, one that we are totally unable to do anything about: credit card processing limitations. Essentially, because marijuana is still illegal in lots of places, any bank or credit card company found doing business with a cannabis company could potentially be breaking the law.
We know this sucks
This whole situation is definitely less than ideal, though it is the reality that we have to face for now. We understand entirely that it isn't a fair system and that people should be able to spend their money however they want, especially if what they are doing is legal, but it isn't up to us.
The reason why all of this is happening is that banks, financial corporations and the like have to obey an obscene amount of government regulations which, in turn, means that they don't have much leg-room either. The banks are only doing what the law has told them to do and, unfortunately, this has affected us as well as our loyal customers.
The good news
The good news is that you can still pay via debit card or cash payments for any marijuana product you may wish to buy, although we do understand that these may not be viable options for everyone. Carrying cash around can be risky, and not everybody has a debit card. For this, we apologize and can only hope that marijuana prohibition comes to an end.
Steps in the right direction are already taking place over in the USA with the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act being approved by the Financial Services Committee of congress just a few months ago. This bill is passed would mean banks and other financial institutions won't be punished for working with legal cannabis companies which, as I'm sure you'll agree, is incredible news.
Hopefully, if SAFE happens, other countries will follow suit and eventually credit card processing will be a breeze when it comes to marijuana - though there are a few things you can do to help in the meantime.
There may be something you can do
If you have been affected by credit card restrictions while attempting to legally buy marijuana products, or you know someone who has, you may be inclined to do something about it. Well, you can. Phone, write or email your bank or your credit card provider and voice that you would like them to be able to work with legal marijuana-focused companies, like us. Some laws need to be changed.
The more people who openly support the legalization of cannabis, the faster that dream can become a reality. So, if you aren't writing to your bank already, what are you waiting for? If everyone works together, we can make the future brighter for all of us.
We are working exceedingly hard to make credit card processing much smoother for all of you, but changing laws is a long, tricky process. We truly believe that cannabis will be legal everywhere eventually, and so it is only a matter of time until your payments are made easy.
Thank you for your continued support and custom.
Brodie Mckenzie