Picture this: you’re at your favorite dispensary, arms full of Heavy Hitters’ Pineapple Express vape cartridges ready to blast you off with tropical sativa vibes. You waltz up to the register, whip out your credit card, and… record scratch. “Sorry man, it’s cash only.”
Wait, what? This isn’t 1967. We have self-driving cars, smartphones, and space tourism, but we can’t put our Purple Kush on plastic? What gives?
Well my fellow frustrated flower fans, sit back and prepare to be enlightened on the highs (pun very much intended) and lows of why most dispensaries don’t take credit cards – and how Urbn Leaf is different.
Why Credit Cards are Usually a No-Go: Federal Law & Banking Restrictions
So why can’t you charge your BK Satellite pre-rolls, a hybrid strain crossing Legend of Nigeria with Milky Way for an out-of-this-world experience, at most dispensaries? Blame Uncle Sam. Even though cannabis is legal in a growing number of states, it’s still very much illegal under federal law.
Banks, credit unions, and major payment processors like Visa and Mastercard all answer to federal regulations. And they’re not stoked about breaking the law, even if it is a totally bogus one when it comes to weed. So they generally don’t allow cannabis transactions. Period.
This leaves most dispensaries in a sticky (icky) situation. They’re forced to operate as mostly cash businesses or cobble together workaround payment solutions. It’s inconvenient for you, and a huge headache for us. But until the feds get their act together, it’s the reality.
The Urbn Leaf Difference: Legit Credit Card Payments via Point-of-Sale ATM
At Urbn Leaf, we didn’t want to settle for the status quo of cash-only cannabis. We know our customers want the convenience and rewards of using credit cards. So we got creative and found a legit solution.
Here’s how it works:
1. At checkout, you can opt to pay with your credit card via our point-of-sale ATM system.
2. The transaction is processed as an ATM withdrawal, with a standard ATM fee applied.
3. The total is rounded up to the nearest $20 increment for ATM processing.
4. You pay the rounded amount with your credit card and receive the difference back in cash.
For example, let’s say your total comes to $68 for some Maui Mango Teas, delicious 100mg THC drinks that hit like your favorite throwback iced tea. With the ATM fee, your total is about $72. The system rounds the transaction up to $80, charges your card $80, and we give you $8 back in cash.
It’s a small extra step, but it means you can use your credit card to buy cannabis legally and compliantly at Urbn Leaf. We’re one of the few dispensaries that has figured this out. Pretty cool, right?
Of course, we still offer cash options too. We’re all about giving you choices, whether that’s with our huge selection of products, or how you pay. Really, it’s all about you.
Will More Dispensaries Accept Credit Cards in the Future?
The SAFE Banking Act, if passed, could be a game changer. It would give banks and payment processors the green light to work with legal cannabis businesses without fear of federal backlash. That means normal credit card payments could finally be on the table industry-wide.
Plus, some states are taking matters into their own hands and pushing for cannabis-friendly banking laws. A lot is changing in the banking-weed-payment world. It’s slow going, but progress is happening, and we’re stoked about it.
In the meantime, you can enjoy the convenience of credit card payments at Urbn Leaf thanks to our innovative ATM solution. It’s just one more way we’re making cannabis shopping as easy and enjoyable as possible.
The TL;DR on Cannabis Dispensary Payments
While most dispensaries are cash-only due to federal banking restrictions, Urbn Leaf offers a legit way to pay with credit cards via our point-of-sale ATM system. The process is quick and compliant, with just a small ATM fee and a round-up to the nearest $20. Honestly, that little bit of cash in your wallet is a great addition in our opinion. That’s tip money for your delivery driver, the valet, or that barista that always spells your name wrong (she’s doing her best).
So swing by Urbn Leaf to elevate your cannabis game with fire products like Heavy Hitters’ Pineapple Express vape carts and BK Satellite pre-rolls. With our credit card ATM option, easy debit payments, and cash always welcome, paying is a breeze. See you soon!