Retail SOPs: 9 Proven Systems That Help Small Businesses Scale Faster

Retail SOPs are the difference between a business that relies on heroic employees and one that scales predictably. Whether you operate a cannabis dispensary, a coffee shop, or a specialty retailer, documented standard operating procedures turn daily execution into a repeatable system. This retail SOPs playbook breaks down the core operational systems every profitable store […]
Landlord Strategies for Cannabis Tenants: 9 Proven Ways to Boost Cash Flow

Landlord strategies for cannabis tenants are fundamentally different from traditional retail leasing. Leasing commercial property to a cannabis business isn’t like signing a standard strip-mall lease—you’re navigating a complex web of state regulation, federal contradictions, capital constraints, and fast-evolving market dynamics. The right landlord strategies for cannabis tenants can unlock premium rents, long-term appreciation, and […]
Schedule III Cannabis: A Historic Win or a Deceptive Trap? The Legal Truth

The conversation around Schedule III Cannabis reform is electric with a single, game-changing proposal: moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Depending on who you ask, this is either the historic victory that unlocks the industry’s potential or a Trojan horse designed by “Big Pharma” to dismantle the state-legal […]
Your Business Exit Strategy: A Five‑Year Blueprint for Cannabis Entrepreneurs

Every cannabis entrepreneur eventually faces the reality that the enterprise you built will change hands. Whether you plan to sell to a strategic buyer, transition ownership to management, or create an employee‑owned legacy, a thoughtful Business Exit Strategy is as essential as a good cultivation plan. Selling a cannabis business isn’t like unloading an end […]
Navigating Multi-State Cannabis Licensing: A $300K+ Application Playbook

Introduction to Multi-State Cannabis Licensing: The High-Stakes Cannabis License Game Getting a cannabis license in one state is hard enough – doing it in multiple states is a whole new level of crazy. If you’re eyeing Illinois, Ohio, California, and New York all at once, brace yourself. This isn’t a leisurely stroll through the park; […]
Rhode Island Cannabis Dispensary License | Guide for 2025

Want a Rhode Island Cannabis Dispensary License in 2025? Rhode Island is finally opening up its adult-use cannabis retail program, offering 24 new dispensary licenses across three license types in 2025. With only 5 licensed dispensaries currently operating and a robust network of 57 licensed growers/processors already in place, this development creates a rare and highly […]
How to Open a Dispensary in Montana: The 2025 Guide to Licensing & Compliance

The Montana cannabis industry is expanding, and July 1, 2025, marks a key milestone—new dispensary licenses will be available. But here’s the catch: If you’re not prepared, you’ll be left behind. At Collateral Base, LLC, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs, MSOs, and investors get licensed, navigate compliance, and set up profitable dispensaries. We bring you […]
Optimal Retained Earnings Strategies for 2025

Introduction Welcome to 2025—a year that’s shaping up to be one of the most transformative in recent history. The political and economic winds have shifted dramatically since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Backed by Elon Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration is on a mission to simplify regulations, boost […]
Comprehensive Guide to SAFE Offerings for Startups: C-Corporation vs. LLC

Startups face unique challenges when raising funds, especially during their early stages. One of the most effective tools for simplifying the process and attracting investors is the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). In this guide, we’ll explore how SAFEs work, how they differ when used by C-Corporations versus LLCs, and key strategies for compliance, […]
Cannabis Licensing Compliance: 10 Steps Every New Dispensary Owner Needs to Know

Entering the burgeoning cannabis industry as a dispensary owner is an exciting venture filled with immense potential. However, mastering cannabis licensing compliance is crucial for operating successfully and sustainably. Adhering to regulatory requirements isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s the cornerstone of a thriving business. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, legal entanglements, or even […]