Colorado’s economy has been boosted by today’s modern-day “cash crop” cannabis, after passing legalization in 2014. In 1917, Colorado passed legislation on the restriction of marijuana. Fast forward over a century later, and Colorado legalized cannabis selling $1.26 billion of marijuana in the first three quarters of 2017.
Despite legalization and high revenue investing in marijuana within Colorado can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the landscape.
Colorado has separate legislation for medical cannabis, recreational cannabis, and hemp all of 
which have different restrictions and bilaws. Under these separate pieces of legislature each county is empowered to set their own restrictions. This creates some confusion as a dispensary in Denver would be operating under different restrictions then one in El Paso County.
Varying conditions such as proximity to schools and parks, record keeping requirements, financial details or tracking and compliance protocols present a legal headache to brands intending to operate statewide. For investors entering the industry this may create roadblocks that were unexpected especially if they are transitioning from a federally regulated industry such as agriculture or business.
How to invest in Colorado Cannabis
This legal fracturing presents a set of impediments that can leave people uncertain how to invest in cannabis within Colorado. Additional legal issues for anyone investing in cannabis include working with banks that are not federally insured (FDIC) as cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. The federal government considers handling the proceeds of any marijuana transaction to be money laundering. The consequences of which can include the freezing and confiscation of assets.
Luckily for investors Partner Colorado, a local Denver credit union, has established itself as the biggest banker in Colorado’s cannabis industry. In 2017, they handled $931 million for people buying, growing, selling, or investing in cannabis.
Once one is able to secure funding for investing in cannabis the next step is differentiating themselves as a reputable brand in the state. Especially as more brands pop up and competition gets heavier it is important to create a stand out brand that fosters memorable experiences for consumers.
The best dispensaries Colorado residents visit in each county are those with either a reputable history, or are those with a national brand behind them that can navigate the statewide legal variations such as LivWell Cannabis and Native Roots.
One of the best known single outlet dispensaries creating such experience is Silverpeak in Aspen. Their farm prides itself on a diversity of strains for both sativa and indica as well as proprietary genetic techniques to develop their plants. Their cultivation staff have direct access to the retail staff and the two groups engage in information exchange. All of which enhances customer experience within the retail environment.
Another local Colorado brand that does something unique is CAMP, which focuses on local experiences backed up with national retail experience. CAMP offers consumers a back-to-nature camping ethos that promotes cannabis within a personal wellness strategy. Emphasising stillness, quiet, focus, a reconnection to nature and an absence of the incessant tech-driven world.
BASE CAMP outlets provide an experience tailored to the local community with events, growing advice, and wellness center consulting. Backing this local curation is Green Growth Brands, a company with extensive international retail expertise amongst its C-level staff and a robust legal team up to the challenges the state presents making CAMP a shrewd option for investing in marijuana.
Brands like these taking initiative to stand out in some way, rather than simply adding another product to an increasingly crowded shelf – are the same ones that are likely to gain value as investment options. Cannabis stocks are in a nascent stage, and while distribution and quality will separate the good from bad the sheer volume of initial offerings makes it something of a crap shoot.
Retail brands backed by big funding that do something memorable, even on the local level, are the one truly worth keeping an eye on. Colorado is blessed with a number of good options, so anyone looking to get into the market can start searching locally.
