🌿 Welcome to Conversations with Kush! 🌟 In this episode, Molly "The Kush RN" sits down with Brandon Padget, Chief Deposit Officer at Union Bank & Trust, to discuss one of the most challenging aspects of the cannabis industry—banking.

How do cannabis businesses get banking services?
Why do some banks drop cannabis clients?
What’s the deal with cash-heavy dispensaries and security risks?
How can small businesses secure loans in a federally restricted market?

Brandon breaks it all down—from how cannabis entrepreneurs can access banking services to why labor unions and financial institutions must collaborate to strengthen the industry. Whether you're a cannabis business owner, industry advocate, or just curious about the financial side of legal cannabis, this episode is packed with insights.

What’s Inside This Episode:

🏦 Why Banks Are Hesitant to Work with Cannabis – The compliance, legal, and financial challenges.
🌱 Union Bank & Trust’s Role in the Cannabis Industry – How they’re helping operators stay compliant & financially secure.
📉 The Cannabis Banking "Stigma" – Why banks get nervous and how the SAFE Banking Act could change everything.
💰 Access to Capital & Loans – Why startup money is hard to get and what business owners can do.
💡 How to Choose the Right Bank – Red flags, hidden fees, and what cannabis entrepreneurs should look for.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to open a bank account for your cannabis business without getting shut down.
• Why compliance is key and how to avoid banking risks.
• The biggest challenges of running a cash-heavy cannabis business.
• How small business owners can prepare for financial success in a high-risk industry.
• What’s next for federal legalization, SAFE Banking, and the future of cannabis-friendly finance.

If you’re involved in the cannabis industry, financial world, or just want to learn more about the behind-the-scenes business side of weed, this episode is a must-watch.

Find the Right Strain: Episode Chapters

⏱ 5:00 – Why Banks Hesitate to Work with Cannabis Businesses
The compliance risks, federal restrictions, and industry stigmas.

⏱ 10:00 – How Union Bank & Trust Became a Cannabis-Friendly Bank
The journey from labor unions to full cannabis financial services.

⏱ 18:00 – Why So Many Cannabis Businesses Struggle with Banking
Understanding cash handling, loan access, and financial barriers.

⏱ 25:00 – What Entrepreneurs Should Look for in a Bank
Red flags, hidden fees, and choosing the right financial partner.

⏱ 35:00 – The SAFE Banking Act & Federal Legalization
How it could change the game for cannabis businesses.

⏱ 45:00 – Security Risks for Cash-Heavy Dispensaries
Why digital safes & armored cash transport are essential for cannabis retail.

⏱ 55:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Union Bank & Trust
Where to find Brandon & his team for cannabis banking solutions.

Do you think cannabis businesses should have full access to banking services? 🌿💰 Drop your thoughts below! Like, comment, and subscribe for more cannabis industry insights. Have questions about banking & cannabis? Ask them below!#CannabisBanking #SAFEBankingAct #ConversationsWithKush #CannabisFinance #UnionBank