Cannabis Lending: Exploring Your Options

Thursday, February 27, 2025, 1 pm ET | 60 Minutes

According to recent research from Whitney Economics, a global leader in cannabis and hemp business consulting, data, and economic research, the U.S. cannabis industry will need between $65.6B and $130.7B in sustainable growth capital over the next decade to support new cannabis businesses and help refinance existing ones.  In addition, by the end of 2026, cannabis operators will see approximately $3B in loan maturities.  This unprecedented situation poses opportunities for financial institutions to help restructure this debt in impactful ways.  

Financial institutions have a variety of options to lend to both direct and indirect cannabis businesses, but there are particular risks, obligations, and considerations when pursuing these opportunities. Accordingly, Green Check is hosting a 60-minute webinar to provide banks and credit unions with the foundational information they need on this topic. 

This panel discussion will highlight risk monitoring, cannabis loan collateralization for businesses and employees, and the types of lending available, including participation loans.

Topics Covered:

Lending to Cannabis Businesses (45 minutes)

  • Types of loans FIs are offering cannabis businesses and/or their employees
  • Understanding the available options for collateral and relevant considerations
  • Participation loans and how financial institutions can leverage these to accommodate borrowers and reduce risk
  • Employing data to make better lending decisions in this emerging market

Q&A (15 minutes)

  • Ask us anything about cannabis lending. 

Takeaways

  • Access to a recording of the session

Audience

  • Chief Lending Officers
  • Chief Credit Officers
  • CEOs
  • CFOs
  • Credit Analysts
  • Compliance and Risk officers
  • Board Members
  • Branch Operations Managers
  • Business Development Teams
  • Marketing and communications teams
MEET OUR

Presenters

Stacy Litke

VP, Banking Programs, Green Check

Stacy Litke is VP of Banking Programs at Green Check Verified with decades of experience in the financial services industry.  Time spent in retail, lending, operations, and technology — and from the seats of a community banker, fintech executive, and consultant — has provided Stacy with a comprehensive view of the industry.  Prior to joining Green Check, Stacy was SVP of Operations for a Massachusetts-based, $900 million institution.  Today, she uses her collective experience to help financial institutions with compliant cannabis banking programs.