How to Start a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Chicago?
For entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to roll
up their sleeves, cut through a decent chunk of bureaucratic tape, and hand
over some cash up-front, opening a medical dispensary is a great opportunity. A
medical marijuana dispensary in Chicago will allow you to be a pioneer in what
is soon to be a massive, national industry. Marijuana projects revenue
generated by dispensaries and retail stores to reach between $6.5 and $8
billion in 2019.
When considering this type of business, you
are sure to have a lot of questions. People often ask: How much does it cost to
start a dispensary? What are the legalities of starting a dispensary? Is
marijuana a profitable industry? Where can I open a dispensary?
Here’s the ultimate step guide on how to
start a medical marijuana dispensary in Chicago.
Research the risks and eligibility
factors
Despite the increasing number of states
that have legalized medical and recreational marijuana use, there are risks.
Marijuana is still considered illegal at the federal level. Medical cannabis is
classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the federal Controlled Substance
Act. This means that it’s classified as
a potential drug use product, and it can only be suggested, not prescribed. There’s
not much case law on this topic so the true legal status of dispensaries when
it comes to federal law is cloudy. This can make it difficult for a dispensary
to know how to stay within legal parameters, which in turn can expose your
business to legal risks.
Financial risks
It’s not news that opening a business takes
a substantial financial investment. When considering cannabis retail, there are
some additional challenges to obtaining the financial backing needed. Securing
funding in the cannabis industry has proven to be very difficult through
traditional methods, and due to risks, most banks won’t even allow you to
transaction your cannabis business through them.
This can mean having to operate your
business on a cash basis, which can make you more susceptible to theft. It will
take some creativity on your part, and perhaps the entire contents of your
savings, to get the ball rolling. The
capital required to open a dispensary can be upwards of $250,000 – $750,000.
Eligibility
Are you qualified? Local governments have a series of
“must-haves” in order to apply to be a dispensary owner, as well as red flags
that will disqualify you immediately. Owner, investors and license holders may
not have any felony convictions. Dispensary location must be more than 500-1000
feet away from schools, churches, and other restricted locations (varies by
state)
Must have a complete business plan with an
outline of property ownership, costs, business licenses, etc.
The cost of opening a medical marijuanadispensary in Chicago really vary depending on the county, city, and state
requirements. Startup investment averages between $250,000 to $750,000. This
sum can include everything from securing insurance, hiring employees, and
renting a storefront. If you’ve been fortunate enough to find an investor to
hand over this kind of cash, congratulations! If not, don’t fret there are
other options!
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