Michael Hackmer is Founder and Editor in Chief of Cannabis Business Today and CEO of CBT Media. He has worked with cannabis businesses over the last several years on marketing and sales. He also is the CEO and Founder of Catoctin Education, Social Web Tactics, and Your Travel.Guide. Born in Boston, MA, he currently resides in Ashburn, Virginia with his wife and daughter. Need to reach Michael Hackmer? E-mail him at: michaelhackmer@cannabisbusinesstoday.com
Why Security Needs To Be A Priority For Cannabis Business Owners
Friday, May 11, 2018
by Michael Hackmer
The legal cannabis industry is poised to take off in the United States. Sales are projected to reach $8 Billion in 2018, and opportunities abound for investors and entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, the same dramatic growth that makes this industry so attractive to legitimate businessmen also makes it attractive to criminals. Along with the growth of the
- Published in Artemis, Cannabis Industry, Headline Story 1, Operations
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Going Cashless: Payments Options For Dispensaries
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
by Michael Hackmer
Operating a Cannabis dispensary means you are operating a business in a very juvenile market. It means you will be paving the way (still) and experiencing all of the growing pains of a new and emerging market. It also means you get to be the ones to suffer through and fight for some things that
- Published in Bankcard Brokers, Banking and Credit, Cannabis Industry
European Cardiology Study: Marijuana Use May Increase The Risk For Hypertension Mortality
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
According to a report issued in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a preliminary study indicates that marijuana use may increase the risk for hypertension mortality. Here is what you need to know: The authors of the study indicate that reports and data about how cannabis impacts the heart, blood pressure, and overall mortality are
- Published in Cannabis Industry, General News, Health
Branding Your Cannabis Business
Sunday, August 06, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
The federal government’s dark cloud over the cannabis industry extends far beyond stringent regulation and compliance laws. Their long arm reaches into every facet from marketing, advertising, branding and trademarking, to packaging and labeling. When you are in business, any business, your main goal is to create a recognizable brand, to find some way to
- Published in Marketing
Hidden Costs of Cannabis Inventory
Friday, August 04, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
Inventory is one of, if not the most important elements of a cannabis business venture. Keeping track of that inventory is crucial for survival from a compliance aspect as well as financial. Small business owners walk a fine line between success and failure in their first 5 or so years of business. As a cannabis
- Published in Cannabis Industry, Operations
Cannabis Credit Card Processing Fraud: Beware of the Honey Trap
Thursday, August 03, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
Being able to open a merchant account to accept credit cards at your local bank sounds good to cannabis sellers who are wary (and weary) of doing business on a cash-only basis. It’s hard to keep cash safe and it’s hard to track or monitor; and having too much cash on hand presents an ongoing
- Published in Banking and Credit, Cannabis Industry
What To Look for in Your Merchant Account Provider
Wednesday, August 02, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
In any vendor/client relationship, vetting research is time well spent. By looking into each potential partner’s qualifications and experience, you can ensure your financial investment will not be misspent. Merchant services are an area of your business that should not be overlooked in this regard. In this post, we review questions to ask before hiring
- Published in Business (General)
Cannabis Equipment Financing – Taking Your Business to New Heights!
Monday, April 17, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
These are very exciting times! The Cannabis Industry is growing by leaps and bounds. There are constant new developments and ever changing regulations, it seems the industry is changing almost daily. This years elections could find several more states passing legislation and creating a myriad of brand new markets for the cannabis industry. Whether you
- Published in Business (General), Cannabis Industry
The Cannabis Merchant Services Myth
Sunday, March 12, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
Let’s get one thing clear. You can not legally accept credit cards for your legal marijuana business. Period. You want to, I know, desperately. Dispensaries are trying to provide a need for their patients, store owners are trying to run legitimate businesses, following all of the rules, and doing their part to provide integrity to
- Published in Payment Processing
To Legalize Marijuana or Not to Legalize, That is the Question..
Thursday, March 09, 2017
by Michael Hackmer
Reschedule or legalize? Recreational or medicinal? So many questions, what is a country to do? People everywhere, and of all walks of life, seem to be talking about marijuana these days. Tidbits of conversation- the two girls sitting at the bar just down from you, the guys behind you at the chairlift, that man when
- Published in Legislation and Policy