Banks and Security

Because cannabis is still illegal federally, most banks cannot accept money from plant-touching businesses. Dispensaries are generally limited to cash-only transactions, also making them a target for theft.

Credit unions—like Safe Harbor in Colorado— tend to be state-chartered, which can give them a better regulatory shot to serve cannabis businesses. Two Denver-based firms, Iron Protection Group, founded by former Marines who served in Afghanistan, and Blue Line Protection Group, founded by former police officers, are the go-to cannabis security firms.