Why are only 24% of cannabis businesses profitable? As many of you already know, the cannabis industry is full of opportunities but it also presents unique challenges. So, let's peel back the layers and explore why a significant majority of cannabis businesses find it tough to turn a profit.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that cannabis isn't just any business. It's an industry steeped in complexity due to ever-changing regulations, limited access to traditional banking services, and high upfront costs. These are just a few of the many factors that can create stumbling blocks for cannabis entrepreneurs.
Regulatory Challenges
Take, for instance, the regulatory challenges. Each state, and indeed each country, has its own regulations governing cannabis cultivation, production, sales, and consumption. The costs associated with compliance can be staggering. From licensing and renewal fees to the cost of adhering to packaging, testing, and security requirements, it's a serious investment. And it's a regulatory landscape that can shift suddenly, sometimes with little notice.
Financial Constraints
Financial constraints pose another considerable hurdle. Traditional banking institutions often shy away from the cannabis industry because of federal law considerations. This forces many cannabis businesses to operate on a cash-only basis, making it challenging to secure loans, manage finances, and even attract potential investors. 2023 has been of the most difficult years to find investment capital in the industry and because of that we’re seeing large companies come to a devastating end because they can’t weather the recent economic hits on the industry.
Outsized Taxation
A further financial burden for cannabis businesses is the taxation, arguably one of the harshest realities for business owners who are used to operating in other industries to face once they start their new cannabis ventures. Cannabis businesses in the United States face a significant tax burden due to IRS Section 280E. This federal law prohibits businesses from deducting ordinary business expenses from gross income associated with the "trafficking" of Schedule I or II substances, as defined by the Controlled Substances Act. Despite the legalization of cannabis at the state level in many parts of the US, it remains a Schedule I drug at the federal level. Because of this, cannabis businesses often face an effective tax rate significantly higher than the standard corporate rate. While the specific rate can vary depending on the details of a business's operations and the associated costs, some estimates suggest that the effective federal tax rate can be as high as 70-90% of profits for some cannabis businesses. This is a changing and complex issue. Various efforts are underway to change these laws and reduce the tax burden on cannabis businesses, and the exact implications can vary widely depending on the specifics of a business's operations, location, and more.
Operating Costs
Let's not forget the high operating costs. From leasing or buying property to purchasing equipment and inventory, the initial investment can be substantial. And that's without considering ongoing expenses such as electricity, water, staffing, and marketing.
Employee turnover is another significant cost in the cannabis industry, with high rates often stemming from a combination of factors such as a competitive job market, relatively low wages compared to other industries, and a lack of benefits or opportunities for advancement. According to a study by Vangst, one of the leading recruitment agencies in the cannabis industry, turnover rates for cannabis companies were around 30% higher than the national average as of 2019.
Such high employee turnover rates can have a profound economic impact on businesses, and the cannabis industry is no exception. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, it can cost a company between six to nine months of an employee's salary to identify and train a replacement. For a worker earning $40,000 a year, that's $20,000 to $30,000 in recruiting and training expenses. In addition to the financial burden, high turnover can also lead to lower productivity, decreased morale among remaining staff, and potentially impact the quality of products or services offered. In an industry as competitive as the cannabis sector, these issues can significantly hinder a company's growth and profitability. It is crucial for cannabis businesses to address these issues and invest in employee retention strategies to secure their long-term success.
Market Saturation
Last but not least there’s increasing market saturation. The growing cannabis industry has led to a surge of new businesses entering the market. While this demonstrates the appeal and potential of the sector, it also means fierce competition. Coupled with the evolving preferences of cannabis consumers, staying ahead of the curve can be a daunting task. It’s no longer like the early days of adult use cannabis when all you had to do to make a river of money was open your doors and have cannabis on the shelves. Things have changed. Now, you have to play to win and the truth is that many cannabis businesses may not be successful because they weren’t prepared for the game.
So, with all these challenges, how can cannabis businesses tilt the scales in their favor? The answer lies in strategic planning, adaptability, and resilience. Businesses must fully understand their market, keep abreast of regulatory changes, manage their finances shrewdly, and continually innovate to stand out from the competition.
Cannabis Profitability Conclusion
With careful planning, keen foresight, and a strategic approach, cannabis businesses can navigate these challenges and work towards joining that profitable 24%. The journey might be challenging, but with the right mindset and tools, it's a climb that can certainly be made.