Now that recreational as well as medical marijuana has been deemed legal in many U.S. states, more and more entrepreneurs are jumping on the cannabis bandwagon. If you're among those who've recently made the decision to open a marijuana dispensary, you're probably experiencing a combination of excitement and nervousness — after all, it's a young industry with a lot of uncharted territory to navigate. One of the most significant challenges you'll experience involves promoting your business. Following are just three of the many things you need to know about promoting your marijuana dispensary. 

Educate Yourself About Local Restrictions

How and where you advertise may be subject to a variety of municipal, county, and statewide restrictions. In some areas, for instance, you're perfectly free to put up highway billboards and advertise in your local newspaper, while others have laws that prohibit this type of marijuana marketing. You'll have to check with city, county, and state laws to make sure that you're in compliance with all of them. It's better to err on the side of caution and cover all your bases. Like all new industries, dispensaries are often looked upon with suspicion, so it's best to have all your ducks in a row when it comes to adhering to applicable regulations. 

Create an Engaging Social Online Presence

As with any other business, the right approach to online marijuana marketing matters significantly.  However, cannabis related businesses face special challenges when it comes to developing an online presence. Because marijuana remains illegal at a federal level, marijuana-related ads aren't allowed on Google or Facebook — and these are among the biggest sources of exposure for traditional businesses, putting dispensaries at a substantial disadvantage.  However, this doesn't mean you can't craft an engaging online presence for your business. An interactive blog provides a great way to connect with potential customers and keep current ones engaged. If cultivating a blog is outside of your wheelhouse, consider hiring a professional to create and maintain a business blog for you.

Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Joining your local chamber of commerce is a great way to connect with others in your business community and to establish a presence in your local commercial landscape. It shows that you're a serious and dedicated business owner who truly wants to contribute in a positive manner to the community narrative. This may also provide you with input concerning local advertising options that are available to you.