SOLUTIONS
Cannabis Payment Processing That Actually Works
Cannabis payment acceptance can vary significantly based on state regulations, banking relationships, processor policies, and business structure. Monument helps cannabis operators evaluate available options, understand compliance considerations, and navigate an ever-changing payment landscape.
ETA Certified Payment Professional
Serving Businesses Since 2014
500+ Merchants Served
PCI DSS Compliant
The Challenge
Why Cannabis Payments Are Different
Cannabis businesses face payment processing challenges that most traditional merchants never have to navigate. Because cannabis remains classified as a Federal Schedule I substance, many banks and card networks are unwilling to support cannabis transactions. This creates a more limited market of specialized payment providers, often with higher rates, added compliance requirements, and more complex account management.
The landscape can change quickly as regulations, banking relationships, and processor policies evolve. Requirements vary from state to state, and a payment option that works for a dispensary in Colorado may not be available or appropriate for a business in another market.
Monument helps cannabis businesses navigate this complex environment with clarity and confidence. We stay current on available payment options, compliance requirements, and processor stability, while monitoring your account so you can adapt to changes before they become disruptions.
Federal Banking Restrictions
Cannabis remains federally illegal, which means traditional banks and payment processors generally will not serve plant-touching businesses. This creates a gap that specialized payment solutions fill.
State-by-State Compliance
Every legal state has different regulations for cannabis businesses, including payment processing rules. What works in Colorado may not work in Michigan. Solutions must be evaluated on a state-by-state basis.
High-Risk Classification
Even CBD and hemp businesses, which are federally legal, are often classified as high-risk by mainstream processors. This means higher rates, more scrutiny, and fewer options without the right partner.
Cash-Heavy Operations
Many cannabis businesses still operate primarily in cash due to banking limitations. This creates security risks, accounting challenges, and customer friction. Electronic payment options reduce cash dependency.
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Payment Solutions Monument Evaluates for Cannabis
Monument does not recommend a single solution for all cannabis businesses. We evaluate what is available, stable, and compliant for your specific state, license type, and business model.
In-Store Payment Acceptance
Available in all legal states
Payment acceptance options vary significantly by market. Monument helps businesses understand available paths and associated operational considerations.
Compliance & Risk Review
Available in all legal states
Before recommending any path forward, Monument evaluates processor stability, underwriting requirements, compliance considerations, and long-term viability.
CBD & Hemp Merchant Processing
Available nationwide for compliant CBD/hemp
Traditional merchant processing may be available for qualifying CBD and hemp businesses. Monument works with providers that specialize in these categories.
Compliance-Focused Payment Evaluation
Available in all legal states
We help cannabis operators understand what payment options may currently be available based on their location, license type, and operational structure.
Not sure what payment options are available in your state?
Monument evaluates current options for your specific state and license type. The landscape changes frequently - we provide current, accurate guidance rather than generic advice.
HOW IT WORKS
How Monument Approaches Cannabis Payment Evaluation
01
Consultation
We start by learning about your business model, license type, current payment setup, and operational needs. This gives us the context needed to evaluate realistic payment pathways for your cannabis business.
02 Compliance & Operational Review
Our team reviews the regulatory environment in your state, along with business requirements, restrictions, and operational considerations. This step helps identify which payment options may be a practical fit.
03
Processor & Solution Evaluation
We evaluate available processors and payment solutions based on your business needs, documentation, operating model, and risk profile. This stage includes careful due diligence before moving forward.
04
Implementation & Ongoing Support
Once a suitable path is selected, we help deploy the payment solution with your POS system and daily operations. From there, Monument provides ongoing guidance, monitoring, and support as needs change.
WHY MONUMENT PAYMENTS
Monument Payments vs. Finding a Cannabis Processor on Your Own
Cannabis payment acceptance involves underwriting requirements, compliance considerations, changing processor policies, and ongoing operational oversight. Monument helps businesses navigate these challenges with guidance tailored to their specific operation.
| Feature | Finding a Processor on Your Own | With Monument |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis Expertise | ｘ Standard processor with no cannabis specialization | ✓ Monument actively monitors cannabis payment regulations and processor options |
| Compliance-First | ｘ Risk of non-compliant solutions that get shut down | ✓ Monument never deploys a solution without verifying compliance for your state |
| Application Support | ｘ You navigate complex documentation requirements alone | ✓ Monument prepares the full application package with cannabis-specific documentation |
| State-Specific Guidance | ｘ Generic advice that may not apply to your state | ✓ Monument evaluates options specific to your state, license type, and business model |
| POS Integration | ｘ You figure out integration with your existing systems | ✓ Monument integrates payment solutions with your POS and ordering platform |
| Ongoing Support | ｘ Standard vendor support queue | ✓ Direct Monument contact for cannabis payment questions and issues |
THE MONUMENT PAYMENTS DIFFERENCE
What You Get With Monument
Cannabis Payment Evaluation
Monument starts by reviewing your cannabis business, current payment setup, license type, and operational needs. We provide informed guidance based on your market, not generic advice or one size fits all recommendations.
Compliance Guidance
Our team helps you understand the requirements, restrictions, and considerations that may affect cannabis payment processing in your state. The goal is to reduce risk through careful review and practical guidance.
Ongoing Support
When you partner with Monument, you get continued guidance from a team that understands cannabis payment processing. We monitor changes, answer questions, and support your business as needs evolve.
Processor & Provider Review
Monument evaluates available processors and providers based on your business model, documentation, transaction needs, and operational fit. We help you compare realistic pathways before making a decision.
Not Sure Where to Start With Cannabis Payments?
Most businesses that contact Monument are not sure exactly what they need. That is normal, and it is exactly what the consultation is for. Monument evaluates your current setup, identifies where friction exists, and recommends the path forward. There is no cost and no obligation.
You can also explore by industry to see how Monument works with businesses like yours, or browse the systems Monument deploys.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about how Monument works, what solutions fit your business, and what to expect from the process.
Still have questions?
Monument is happy to walk through your specific situation on a call.
Can cannabis businesses accept electronic payments?
It depends on the state, the business type, and the current regulatory environment. Electronic payment options for cannabis businesses vary significantly by location and are subject to ongoing changes in banking relationships, processor policies, and state regulations. Monument helps cannabis operators understand what may currently be available for their specific situation. We do not guarantee any particular outcome or approval.
What payment options exist for cannabis dispensaries?
The payment landscape for cannabis businesses is not static. Available options depend on the state, license type, and current processor relationships. Monument helps businesses evaluate what pathways may be available and understand the compliance considerations associated with each. We do not endorse any specific methodology as universally compliant or permanent.
What about CBD and hemp businesses?
CBD and hemp businesses may have access to more traditional payment options, depending on their product type, THC content, and the processors they work with. Many mainstream processors still classify CBD as high-risk, which can affect approval, rates, and account stability. Monument works with providers that specialize in this category and helps businesses understand the underwriting requirements involved.
Why do cannabis businesses have difficulty getting merchant accounts?
Cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under federal law, which creates a conflict between state and federal regulation that most traditional banks and payment networks are not willing to navigate. This limits the available processor pool and increases underwriting scrutiny. Monument helps businesses understand these dynamics and evaluate the options that may be available given their specific circumstances.
What compliance considerations apply to cannabis payments?
Compliance requirements for cannabis payments vary by state and can include licensing documentation, transaction reporting, seed-to-sale tracking integration, and adherence to state-specific payment regulations. Processor requirements add another layer of complexity. Monument evaluates the compliance landscape for your specific state and business type before recommending any path forward. We will tell you directly if a compliant option is not currently available in your market.
Does Monument guarantee payment processing approval for cannabis businesses?
No. Monument does not guarantee approvals, compliance outcomes, or the long-term availability of any payment solution. The cannabis payment landscape is subject to change based on regulatory developments, banking relationships, and processor policy decisions. Our role is to help you evaluate available options, understand the considerations involved, and navigate the process with current, accurate guidance.
Does Monument work with cannabis businesses in all legal states?
Monument evaluates each situation individually. Available options vary by state, license type, and business model. During our initial consultation, we assess whether a viable path forward exists for your specific operation. If we cannot identify a compliant solution for your market, we will tell you that directly rather than place you in an unsuitable arrangement.
