Tag: cannabis

Payment Rails: Cannabis Raising Capital – Navigating the Complex Landscape

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, securing capital through online platforms presents unique challenges, particularly in the realm of payment processing. We explore the intricacies of payment rails for cannabis companies engaging in capital-raising activities under the JOBS Act Regulations (RegCF, RegD, RegA+).

Through anecdotes and analysis, we delve into the reasons behind the sector’s struggle with traditional payment methods, the importance of partnering with knowledgeable payment rails providers, and the specialized hurdles cannabis companies face within the banking world.

We also discuss how partnerships with entities like KoreIssuance having a tightly integrated and well-informed payment solutions partner, can provide a fully compliant pathway for cannabis companies to raise capital online successfully.

By understanding the nuances of this process and recognizing red flags in selecting issuance partners, cannabis companies can position themselves for successful capital-raising.

The Regulatory Landscape for Cannabis Businesses

The cannabis sector in the USA operates in a unique regulatory environment. Despite legalization in numerous states for medicinal or recreational use, cannabis companies face significant operational challenges, particularly regarding payment processing.

Traditional payment systems, such as credit card networks, often exclude cannabis-related transactions due to federal regulations, leaving businesses to rely on less convenient cash transactions or navigate the murky waters of high-risk payment processors.

The Importance of Payment Rails in Cannabis Capital Raising

The distinction between operations and securities offerings is a crucial one in the cannabis industry.

While day-to-day operations might be cash-intensive and largely excluded from traditional banking services, raising capital online operates under a different set of rules and opportunities, particularly under the JOBS Act Regulations (RegD, RegCF, RegA+).

A strong payment rails partner, well-versed in these regulations, can unlock the door to efficient capital raising for cannabis companies by providing the necessary infrastructure to process investments safely and compliantly.

Banking Challenges for Cannabis Companies

Cannabis companies face special challenges within the banking world, not just for their operational needs but also when attempting to raise capital.

The banking industry’s hesitancy to engage with cannabis companies stems from a lack of understanding of the separation between the businesses’ operational aspects and their securities offerings. However, ecosystems like KoreIssuance have made significant strides in educating the banking and payment industries about the unique aspects of cannabis companies raising capital under securities laws.

This education is pivotal in distinguishing the use of payment rails for compliance with securities laws from the broader banking challenges of the cannabis industry.

Partnering with KoreIssuance for Compliant Solutions

Partnering with a trusted issuance partner like KoreIssuance provides cannabis companies with the confidence that all aspects of their capital-raising efforts are managed compliantly.

KoreIssuance, in collaboration with its exclusive payment processing partner, they offer a compliant solution that enables cannabis companies to raise capital confidently.

This partnership allows investors to use credit cards or ACH transfers to invest in cannabis companies, a significant advancement given the industry’s traditional reliance on cash transactions.

Red Flags in Selecting Issuance Partners

When selecting an issuance partner for their offering, cannabis companies should be wary of several red flags:

Comprehensive Compliance: Ensure that the partner operates compliantly end-to-end within the regulatory framework of the JOBS Act and understands the specific compliance requirements of the cannabis sector.

Understanding of Cannabis Challenges: The partner must have a deep understanding of the challenges facing cannabis companies, especially regarding banking and payment processing.

Dedicated Payment Solutions: The issuance partner should have established relationships with banks and payment processors who are fully compliant and willing to support cannabis companies in their capital-raising efforts and provide rates similar to any other business. 

Conclusion: The Importance of trusted partner selection

In conclusion, the importance of educating oneself before selecting an issuance partner cannot be overstated for cannabis companies looking to raise capital. The nuances of compliance, particularly in relation to payment processing under the JOBS Act, demand careful consideration and a thorough vetting process.

By asking the right questions and identifying potential red flags, cannabis companies can forge partnerships that enable them to navigate the complexities of capital raising in this unique sector confidently.

The partnership between KoreIssuance exemplifies the type of collaborative approach that can address the specific needs of cannabis companies, ensuring a compliant, efficient, and successful capital-raising process.

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, understanding these intricacies and leveraging the right partnerships will be key to unlocking the full potential of online capital-raising efforts.

 

Oscar Jofre Shares Thoughts of Banking Reform with StratCann

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Oscar Jofre, the President and CEO of KoreConX, has long been a proponent of expanding access to capital for cannabis companies in the US and Canada. He recently spoke to StratCann about the current state of banking for these types of companies in both countries. Despite conversations within the US proposing changes to how banks handle working with cannabis companies, Oscar says: “Even with the SAFE Act, the bigger banks aren’t going to put it under their risk profile. They’re going to do the same thing our banks are doing in Canada. They’re not looking at it from the legal point of view anymore. They’re looking at it from the optics point of view. They’re big banks and don’t want to be seen doing business with cannabis.”

His thoughts are that smaller US banks could be a likely partners to both US and Canada-based cannabis companies. Still, a widespread banking reform within the US is unlikely to relieve much of the challenges Canadian cannabis companies currently face. Read the rest of the article at StratCann to see what Oscar and other thought leaders predict if the SAFE Act were to pass.

KoreClient Spotlight: Budding Technologies

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Budding Technologies, Inc. is looking to change the cannabis industry with innovative technology and the use of blockchain through its product, Budbo.

 

The Budbo ecosystem consists of three unique products; Budbo App, Budbo Connect, and BudboTrax. Together, these touch all aspects of the cannabis industry from growers and product manufacturers to dispensaries and consumers.

 

The Budbo App features a patent-pending technology that allows cannabis users to log into the application and enter some demographic data that is then used to make suggestions on strains and products of cannabis that would be best for the user. Users are also rewarded for providing this data with cryptocurrency tokens that can be spent on merchandise or accepted by dispensaries. With this technology, new users can feel more confident in choosing the strains and products that would be best for them based on data like their weight, gender, and experience level. After answering several questions on a 1-10 scale, the algorithm can make these suggestions. Pick-up and delivery options are available to consumers with an easy-to-use interface.

 

For dispensaries, growers, and product manufacturers, Budbo Connect enables them to access the data provided by Budbo customers and other third-party APIs. In the Connect dashboard, companies can keep product information up to date so that it can be found by the most appropriate customer. In turn, companies can see what types of products are popular or sought after by cannabis users in their region. With companies able to tailor their inventory to what customers are looking for, they can reduce waste, increase sales, and find the right product manufacturers for these products.

 

Lastly, BudboTrax, is a supply chain management system built on blockchain technology that gives users the ability to track products and lab results so that they can know exactly where their product comes from and if it meets the quality standards that they are looking for. This feature allows cannabis users to be confident in the product by providing much-needed clear visibility into the chain of custody of the cannabis plant and subsequent product.

 

Working together, these three elements create a robust suite of tools to empower the cannabis industry and to serve cannabis users with access to the safest and best product available.

 

To aid in the company’s growth, Budding Technologies, Inc. is using Regulation Crowdfunding to raise funds for their company. “We chose the Reg CF as the vehicle because it’s a grass-roots way to raise capital that is for everybody, and we feel cannabis and our technology is for everybody. What makes the Reg CF so great, is that it allows anyone interested in Budbo, cannabis, and blockchain, to have the opportunity to invest in Budbo and get involved with the company,” said Luke Patterson, the company’s CEO.

 

Budbo is an innovative company that is changing the way the cannabis industry works. With their use of blockchain technology, they are helping customers verify the quality of the products being sold while also giving businesses valuable data about what products are being used in their area and users on what cannabis is right for them.

 

Regulation CF Disclaimer

 

This communication may be deemed to be a solicitation of interest under Regulation CF under the Securities Act of 1933, in which case the following applies:

 

  • No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted;
  • No offer to buy the securities can be accepted, and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is qualified, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date;
  • A person’s indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind; and
  • An offering statement, which would include a preliminary offering circular, has not yet been filed with the SEC.

Biden to pardon all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession – Breaking News

Posted on by Jason Futko

As the decriminalizing of marijuana is being extensively debated across the world, President Joe Biden just took his first major step in this direction. Biden announced all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession to be pardoned. This act will affect directly the record of thousands of Americans charged with what was once considered a crime.

In a video release, Biden stated that “It’s legal in many states, and criminal records for marijuana possession have led to needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities”. According to CNN, the Department of Health and Human Services and Attorney General Merrick Garland has been assigned to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law, in what could be another step toward a federal legalization. Read more at CNN.com.

Rafael Gonçalves, communications coordinator at KoreConX, and Brian MacDonald, Managing Director at Arcview Capital, debated the topic in a KoreTalkX episode just a couple of minutes after the breaking news. You can listen to it in your favorite podcast player, such as Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.

Cannabis Consumers’ Home Growth Increases Worldwide

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

As marijuana becomes increasingly legalized all over the world, an interesting trend is developing–an increase in the home-growing of the plant. This can be seen in the US, Canada, and Europe, with more people taking up this activity to ensure they have access to safe, high-quality cannabis, especially in more rural areas where access to dispensaries is limited. Keep reading to learn about what the rise in homegrown means for the global cannabis industry.

 

Global Home-growing Trends

 

Cannabis consumers are growing their own plants at home more frequently worldwide, as laws surrounding cannabis production and consumption continue to change. In Luxembourg, people 18 years or older will now be allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants in their homes, making it the third country in the world to legalize this activity, after Uruguay and Canada. This new legislation is intended to address the problem of drug-related crime by introducing fundamental changes in Luxembourg’s approach to recreational cannabis use.

 

The decision by the small but financially powerful European country to legalize the production and consumption of the drug is a milestone on the continent, which has been slower to adopt more liberal cannabis laws. Consumption will only be legal within the household, although fines for the possession of a maximum of three grams in public will be reduced considerably from current amounts.

 

In the United States, you can grow cannabis for medical or recreational purposes in 19 states. The rules vary by state, but generally, you are allowed to grow a certain number of plants, and the plants must be at a certain maturity level. For example, in Massachusetts, you are allowed to grow up to six plants, and only three of those plants can be mature. In California, you are allowed to grow up to 25 plants, regardless of maturity level. This increased demand for home growing in the US can be seen because of the numerous benefits it offers. Home-grown cannabis is typically cheaper than store-bought cannabis, and it also allows for more customization and control over the product. With store-bought cannabis, you are at the mercy of the growers and manufacturers, but when you grow your own, you can choose exactly what goes into your product. You can also grow unique strains that may not be available at your local dispensary, just a few reasons why home-grown cannabis has risen in popularity across the globe.

 

In Canada, where recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, there is a growing trend of cannabis cultivation in people’s homes. This trend can be seen as an effort by consumers to have more control over the quality and price of the product they are buying. In general, when a product is legalized, there is often a surge in demand for that product. The legal status of cannabis has done nothing to slow this trend. As recreational cannabis has become legal in Canada, 10% of the country’s cannabis users grow it at home, according to the National Cannabis Survey (NCS) of 2019. This showcases how there is an increasing demand among cannabis users to be able to grow their own.

 

Creating Business Opportunities

 

With homegrown cannabis becoming more popular, businesses are taking notice and looking for ways to get in on the action. The JOBS Act regulations provide an opportunity for companies to connect with small investors and raise capital through crowdfunding. By using these regulations, companies can crowd-fund their business ventures related to cannabis home-growing. This includes businesses that sell products or services that help people grow cannabis at home or companies that invest in the cannabis home-growing industry.

 

The JOBS Act regulations have been a boon for small businesses and startups, and the cannabis industry is no exception. These regulations have opened up a new avenue of investment for companies involved in the cannabis home-growing industry. By connecting with small investors through crowdfunding, these businesses can raise the capital they need to grow and expand their operations. With global cannabis sales projected to skyrocket, now is the time for businesses to get involved in the home-growing market.

 

Global Cannabis Sales are Projected to Skyrocket

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Cannabis has been legalized for both medicinal and recreational use in many states, and this is only expected to increase the demand for the product. Experts believe that the cannabis market will continue to grow as more states legalize it and that by the end of 2026, the global industry will be worth $57 billion. This growth is being driven by many factors, including the changing attitudes towards cannabis, the increasing number of people who are using it for medicinal purposes, and the fact that it is now being sold in more places than ever before.

 

Changing Views on Cannabis Globally

One of the biggest drivers of this growth is the changing attitude towards cannabis. In the past, it was seen as a dangerous drug with no medicinal value. However, over the last few years, there has been a shift in public opinion. More and more people are now beginning to see cannabis as a potential medication, and this is reflected in its legality. In certain states in the US, such as Colorado and Washington, cannabis is now legal for both medicinal and recreational use. This change in attitude is also being seen in other parts of the world. In Canada, cannabis was legalized for medicinal use in 2001, and it became legal for recreational use in 2018. This has had a positive effect on the growth of the industry, as it has made it more socially acceptable. 

 

The changing attitude towards cannabis is not the only factor driving growth; the increasing use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is also having an impact. In the past, cannabis was mostly used to treat pain, but it is now being used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety, and depression. This is likely because more research is being carried out into the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis. As a result of this research, the number of people using cannabis for medicinal purposes is increasing. In Canada, the number of people with a medical cannabis license increased from just over 5,000 in 2001 to over 300,000 in 2018. This increase is also being seen in other parts of the world, such as Australia and the United States.

 

The final factor driving the growth of the cannabis market is the increasing availability of the product. With cannabis sold in legal dispensaries, this has made it more accessible to people who want to use it, and it has also made it safer, as the product is regulated. In addition, there are now many different types of cannabis products available, which appeals to a wider consumer base.

 

Industry Growth in the US

The growth of cannabis sales in the United States is projected to be a significant contributor to overall global growth. By 2026, US cannabis sales are estimated to reach $42 billion, making up 75% of the global market. This steady growth is attributed to new markets opening in states where cannabis has been legalized for adult use. And, major markets like New Jersey legalized adult use of cannabis this year, and New York is expected to follow, which would bring the number of legal states to 33. These new markets are expected to generate an additional $5 billion in sales by 2026. Medical cannabis sales have also seen a steady increase, although at a slower rate than adult-use sales.

 

Expanding Capital Access for Cannabis Companies

 

Just as the cannabis market is expected to grow, cannabis companies also have the opportunity to take advantage of the growing private capital market. For cannabis companies who often have difficulty seeking traditional funding, there are a growing number of investors looking to invest in private capital through the JOBS Act exemptions, like RegA+ and RegCF. This market is expected to grow to $30 billion by 2030, which gives cannabis companies an excellent opportunity to seek the funding needed to fuel their growth. 

Arcview Access & Cannabis Investment Summit Takes Places October 19th-21st in NYC

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

If you’re an investor, cannabis company, or industry specialist looking to make connections in the legal cannabis industry, the upcoming Arcview Access & Cannabis Investment Summit is not to be missed. Taking place in New York City from October 19th-21st, this event will bring together some of the biggest names in the business for three days of networking and learning. Arcview has been a trusted global leader in the cannabis industry for years, and this event is highly anticipated. This summit offers investors, companies, and entrepreneurs unparalleled access to top regulators and an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges in hopes of winning investment funding. Attendees can expect two days of engaging main stage content, workshops, and panels on topics such as capital raising, company valuations, and opportunities in the cannabis market. 

 

Arcview serves the hemp and cannabis industry, with a keen focus on investing, education, and networking. Approximately 60% of attendees are expected to be investors in public cannabis companies, private equity funds, accredited individual capital, and more. Another 30% of the audience is expected to be cannabis companies in various niches with company valuations ranging from $2m to $200m, while the rest are expected to be industry specialists. 

 

The cannabis investment summit is an excellent event to attend for many reasons. For starters, it gives investors an opportunity to learn more about the industry and explore potential investment opportunities. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals and make connections that could prove to be beneficial down the road. Whether you are in the industry or just looking to invest, this three-day event will have something for you. The event will take place at Convene, located at 45th and Park Ave in Manhattan. It will start with a reception on October 19th and continue into two full days of highly curated content, speeches, and even a field trip.

 

Come network with some of the biggest names in the business, learn from top regulators, or pitch your businesses to a panel of expert judges. If you want to make connections and do business in the legal cannabis industry, this event is for you! You can register now here.

Potential and Impact of the Cannabis Sector on Jobs Creation

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

The cannabis sector is growing fast, and with it, the potential for job creation. A recent study shows that the cannabis industry could create and support an additional 1,250,000+ jobs. As legalization spreads, it creates opportunities for all types of workers and the industry as a whole. Plus, as more companies utilize JOBS Act exemptions, the capital to support this growth is readily available.

 

Expected Job Creation Growth in the Cannabis Industry

 

As the cannabis industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the need for qualified employees in all areas of the business increases. Vangst, a leading cannabis recruiting agency, filled over 150,000 positions in 2021 alone. With this level of growth projected to continue into 2022 and beyond, it’s evident that the cannabis sector is a significant player in job creation.

 

To get a better understanding of the employment landscape within the cannabis industry, Vangst surveyed over 1,000 professionals working in the space. The results showed that the majority of employees (34.4%) have less than a year’s experience in cannabis. On the other hand, over 30% have been working in the industry for five years or more, indicating opportunities for both experienced professionals and those just starting in their careers. 

 

According to a job report from Leafly, the legal cannabis industry supports the equivalent of 428,059 full-time jobs and created an average of 280 new jobs a day in 2021. In that year, according to New Frontier, legal cannabis sales reached $26.5 billion for the year, and this is expected to reach $32 billion by the end of 2022. This data also calculated the CAGR of the cannabis industry and expects it to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030 to reach more than $57 billion.

 

What This Means for Employment

 

With the sector experiencing its fifth consecutive year of 27% or more annual job growth, the demand for qualified employees in all business areas, from cultivation and production to sales and marketing, will continue to rise. Plus, with 49% of Americans trying cannabis at some point in their lifetime, it is evident that cannabis use is not going anywhere.  Indeed, consumer cannabis use increased by 50% during the pandemic.

 

The cannabis industry is an exciting and ever-changing field that offers ample opportunities for growth and advancement. Cannabis job creation is not only limited to those working in the plant-touching side of the business. The industry provides opportunities for professionals in a wide range of fields, from accounting and finance to human resources and marketing. This means that job creation will not slow down as the industry crosses over into other markets and types of products, providing a unique opportunity for those looking for a career change or those just starting their professional lives.

 

With its fifth consecutive year of high job growth, the cannabis sector shows no signs of slowing. As cannabis is legalized in more states, the industry’s growth is expected to continue to drive employment, especially as cannabis employment growth rates are quickly surpassing other industries.

 

Private Capital Trends for the Cannabis Industry

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the need for new methods of raising capital. Revenues have doubled over the past three years, and the industry is on track to reach $25 billion annually by 2025, or $14.1 billion for CBD alone, but traditional methods such as bank loans and private equity are often unavailable to cannabis businesses, forcing them to turn to the private market for capital. While often more flexible and forgiving than the public market, the private market can be a challenging place to raise capital without the knowledge and experience. 

 

The Constantly Growing Industry of Cannabis

 

The cannabis industry is changing, and new opportunities for entrepreneurs are coming. Thanks to the JOBS Act, businesses in the cannabis industry can now use regulations like A+ and CF to raise capital from the general public. This offers several advantages, particularly the ability to reach a larger pool of investors and thus raise larger sums of money.

 

However, the most significant advantage of Reg A+ is that it allows businesses to retain more control over their company. Traditional methods of raising capital typically require businesses to give up a larger share of their equity. This is especially beneficial for businesses in the cannabis industry, which is still in its early stages and is constantly changing. With Reg A+, companies can raise capital from the general public while avoiding the costly process of going public. With more control over their company, and the ability to avoid costly IPOs, firms in the cannabis industry can better position themselves for success.

 

Investing in the Private Cannabis Market

 

The private market for cannabis investments is growing rapidly as the legalization of cannabis spreads throughout the US. Entrepreneurs are looking to get in on the ground floor of this new industry, and there are several options available to them when it comes to investing in cannabis. 

 

Private CBD companies, such as Stigma Cannabis and UNITY Wellness, are turning to online capital raising to fund their growth. These diverse companies focus on many aspects of the industry, from CBD supplements to CBD skincare products, and represent only two of many companies innovating in this space. Regulations A and CF provide excellent opportunities for these companies and the investors looking to support them. 

 

Getting started as an investor in the rapidly evolving private cannabis industry can be scary, but it’s also an exciting opportunity with many challenges and rewards. You can make the most of this unique opportunity by educating yourself on the process and available resources, and looking for and researching a private cannabis company that resonates with you as an investor. 

 

For cannabis companies looking to raise capital, the process begins by identifying the team that will help you reach your goals, such as experienced securities lawyers, broker-dealers, investor acquisition firms, transfer agents, and other parties critical to your success. However, you should also consider how you can turn customers into investors and brand ambassadors as they will be essential throughout your capital-raising journey.

 

Cannabis Industry Trends in 2022

 

Cannabis companies are benefiting from increasing consumer acceptance of the product in 2022. In states where cannabis is legal, tax revenue from sales has been significantly higher than predicted. This trend will likely continue as more states legalize cannabis, and the industry becomes more mainstream. It could also remove many barriers to entry for potential investors and entrepreneurs looking to enter the space.

 

Despite the current political environment, which is generally unfavorable to cannabis companies, several bills are making their way through Congress that could positively impact the industry. The SAFE Banking Act, for example, would allow FDIC-insured banks to offer their services to cannabis companies, providing much-needed financial infrastructure. 

 

The industry will almost certainly continue to grow because of the acceptance of cannabis and its use in a variety of products. The cannabis plant produces several compounds with medical, industrial and commercial applications, with THC and CBD only the most well-known.  Developing these products and bringing them to market is creating more jobs, stimulating the economy, and becoming more accepted by people from all walks of life.

 

Growth in the cannabis industry is not likely to slow down anytime soon. Investors and companies interested in the industry should keep a close eye on developments at the state and federal levels and the financial health of companies in the space. With the right mix of factors, the cannabis industry could achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

 

Recapping Our All-Star June Podcast Guests

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Throughout June, we were happy to host another set of excellent speakers to add to our KoreTalkX series, covering timely topics like digital securities, RegA+ for cannabis, and the potential RegA+ unlocks for companies in the Medtech space. Keep reading to explore each episode in more depth. 

 

KoreTalkX #5: Digital securities matter; tokens, coins, and regulations.

 

The June lineup of KoreTalks kicked off with episode #5, during which Andrew Bull discussed the future of digital assets and their impact on the financial industry. As digital securities enter the mainstream, their potential to protect issuers and create opportunities for investors grows with the transparency they can offer. However, education will continue to be an important factor in driving the expansion of the digital asset space. This conversation is helpful for anyone interested in learning more about digital assets and their impact on the financial industry. With their experience in traditional finance and digital assets, Andrew Bull and Dr. Garimella provide valuable insights into this growing industry based on their observations of the industry’s development. 

 

KoreTalkX #6: Cannabis businesses need capital. Let’s raise it.

 

Reg A+ is a powerful tool for companies in the private sector, and it is no different for those in the cannabis industry. In KoreTalkX #6, Brianna Martyn of Big Stock Tips discussed the importance of due diligence when investing in the cannabis industry, advising investors to research and understand each company’s fundamentals before investing. Brianna spoke with Jessica Trapani of KoreConX about our role in helping private companies raise up to $75 million from brand advocates and customers without going public. 

 

KoreTalk #7: The MedTech ecosystem is booming.

 

The JOBS Act was signed into law two decades ago, yet we are just beginning to see more Medtech companies utilize the RegA+ exemption to raise capital. In the last KoreTalkX episode for June, Stephen Brock and Peter Daneyko discussed the benefits of the Jobs Act and how it will help businesses grow and create jobs. Especially in the Medtech space, which is traditionally capital-intensive, RegA+ provides a tremendous opportunity for companies to raise needed capital while retaining more ownership of their company. Additionally, the speakers also discuss new, game-changing opportunities for investors, who are now able to invest in companies that align with deeply personal values. 

 

If you’d like to watch any of these episodes in full, you can catch them on your favorite podcast platform. Click here to view episodes on Spotify, Amazon, or iTunes.

Can Cannabis Companies Use RegCF?

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

In recent years, public perception of cannabis is gaining positive momentum. As of April 2021, 35 states have made medical marijuana legal, with 18 of them legalizing it recreationally. This growth has been tremendous, raising the industry’s value to over $13 billion and directly supporting 340,000 jobs. Additionally, 91% of Americans believe that regulators should legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use.

 

These factors have created an excellent opportunity for companies in this space. As public perceptions continue to rise, investments in cannabis companies may become more attractive to retail and accredited investors. Projections show that by 2028, cannabis will be an industry worth $70.8 billion globally. 

 

The passing of the JOBS Act in 2012, and its subsequent amendments, have made it easier for companies to raise money from investors. But can cannabis companies use RegCF to raise money? The answer is yes, but there are a few things they need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how cannabis companies can use RegCF to raise money and how it can benefit companies and investors alike.

 

RegCF and Cannabis

 

Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise money, especially for small businesses and startups. It’s a way to get funding from a large pool of investors, each contributing a small amount of money. This can be helpful for companies looking to forego traditional funding sources, like venture capitalists or angel investors. Another factor contributing to the growing popularity of RegCF for cannabis companies is the growing legalization of cannabis products, especially across the United States and Canada.

 

RegCF is an exemption from securities laws that companies use to raise money from the public, without having to be registered as a publicly-traded company. This allows greater access to capital, without having to go through the arduous and expensive process of going through an IPO. 

 

So far, RegCF has been a successful way for cannabis companies to raise money, especially in an industry where traditional loans or going public may not be an option. The benefits of cannabis companies using RegCF to raise capital are:

 

  • Raising money from accredited and non-accredited investors.
  • Reaching a large number of potential investors through online platforms.
  • Enabling founders to retain more ownership of their company, while raising needed capital.

 

RegCF is a flexible way for all-sized companies to get funding, and it’s helping to fuel the growth of the cannabis industry. 

 

Growing with RegCF

 

The premise of the JOBS Act was to fuel the economy, create jobs, and allow startups to flourish. Cannabis companies can now capitalize on the success other companies have had using RegCF over the past decade and cannabis companies are seeing exciting potential in this ability. This democratization of capital will help fuel the industry’s growth and create jobs. In addition, RegCF provides a cost-effective way to raise money, which is critical for early-stage companies. The future looks bright for RegCF and cannabis companies as more states legalize marijuana and businesses continue to enter the space. The industry is still in its early stages, and RegCF provides an excellent opportunity for companies to raise the capital they need to grow.

Credit Cards, Escrow, and Broker-Dealers for RegA+ = $75 Million for Cannabis Companies

Posted on by Peter Daneyko

 

“It’s About Time”

 

Up until now, it was a real challenge for Cannabis companies to take advantage of Reg A+ exemptions that allow private companies to raise up to $75 million from the crowd; accredited and non-accredited investors alike.  So you have the investor community’s appetite, the table is set and they are ready, willing, and able; but what else do you need?

 

FINRA Broker-dealer

 

The regulation is meant to create jobs, allow private companies another way to raise capital, and allow for the investor community at large to participate. Before RegA+ exemptions, many potential investors were left looking into the candy store without any way to invest.  So with the democratization of capital and the ability of an untapped investor community to now have a seat at the table, the broker-dealer becomes an all-important intermediary.  In a highly regulated environment, the Broker-dealer takes the onerous task of KYC, ID verification, and AML ( anti-money laundering) off the issuer’s shoulder;  so you, the Issuer, can run your business without worrying about this important compliance requirement. As a result, you not only have the opportunity to gain large groups of investors but also develop brand advocates who share in your story.

 

Escrow Agent 

After the broker-dealer, you need an escrow agent that can hold funds from investors in all 50 states and territories and only charge you one flat fee. 

 

This key intermediary holds the investors’ funds on behalf of the Issuer until the broker-dealer completes the ID, KYC, and AML verification. Once these checks are complete, the escrow agent can release the funds. Until recently, a couple of historical challenges for industry sectors such as cannabis included the inability to get Escrow for their capital raises. Not only is Escrow now available but also at a cost-effective price point and with normalized fees, which is really the way it should have always been.  

 

Credit Cards 

 

Now below 2.9%  allowing both cannabis companies and their shareholders to be fairly treated when investing in the growth of their companies;  bringing jobs to communities and opportunities to those that believe in the company. Being responsible with your credit cards is common sense. Still, the ease of use and points as an added bonus is certainly one of the nice perks and perhaps a big reason for their high usage via crowd participation in private capital raises.

 

If you’re part of the Cannabis ecosystem looking to learn more about how KoreConX can help you on your capital raising journey, please fill out the form here.

Cannabis: An Emerging Market for RegA+

Posted on by Oscar Jofre

Despite remaining illegal at the federal level, the idea of legalizing cannabis is continuing to gain public acceptance, especially in recent years. As of April 2021, 35 states have made medical marijuana legal, with 18 of them legalizing it recreationally. This growth has been tremendous, raising the industry’s value to over $13 billion and directly supporting 340,000 jobs. As of 2019, 67% of Americans believe that regulators should legalize marijuana, an astounding 20% increase from a decade ago.

These factors have created an excellent opportunity for companies in this space. As public perceptions continue to rise, investments in cannabis companies may become more attractive to retail and accredited investors. In 2019, cannabis companies received nearly $117 billion in investments, displaying some of the investors’ significant interest in the space. Opportunities will only continue to increase as the industry progresses. Projections show that by 2028, cannabis will be an industry worth $70.8 billion globally. In the US alone, cannabis sales in the US in 2021 alone are predicted to reach $21 billion. 

The combination of investor interest and industry valuation could mean that raising capital through exemptions like Regulation A+ could prove to be an incredible opportunity for companies and investors alike. Already, many cannabis companies are seeing success through these opportunities. Early this year, Gage Cannabis closed their Regulation A+ offering after securing $50 million in funding and adding 1,000 shareholders to their cap table. This one success is not an outlier, as other issuers have been seeing success as well. 

It will be interesting to see how the industry and investment opportunities within cannabis will expand with the upward trend of public perception. Additionally, as more states continue to legalize, more businesses will emerge, jobs will form, and investors will invest in an emerging market.

Along with our partners, KoreConX hosted a webinar on why RegA+ may be the perfect fit for companies in the cannabis space. If you missed the live event or want to rewatch it, visit our YouTube channel to access the full recording of the event. If you would like to contact any of our speakers or view the full schedule, please visit our KoreSummit site.

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