Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront of cannabis policy, business and innovation in the region.
In an industry where financial workarounds, gray-area processors, and unreliable tech are far too common, Primo Payments has built trust by doing the opposite: keeping transactions secure, transparent, and fully compliant. For more than eight years, the company has helped cannabis businesses—from bustling dispensaries to boutique breeders and seedbanks—accept cards, boost sales, and navigate the complexities of retail, online, and mobile payments.
In this interview, the Primo Payments team breaks down the challenges that operators rarely talk about, the misconceptions that still shape the cannabis financial landscape, and what it really takes to build dependable infrastructure in a market that’s tightly regulated and constantly shifting.
From your vantage point, what’s the most misunderstood aspect of the financial challenges cannabis operators face?
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the financial challenges cannabis operators face is just how “unbanked” or financially isolated they truly are. They’re playing by a different set of rules, but still being judged by traditional financial standards. That disconnect is where the misunderstanding lies.
What’s your perspective on why federal inaction continues, despite growing bipartisan support for cannabis banking reforms like the SAFER Banking Act?
Despite broad public and bipartisan support, cannabis banking reform like the SAFER Banking Act remains stalled due to political caution and outdated stigma. Lawmakers in swing or conservative districts fear backlash from vocal minority groups, even though most constituents support change. Cannabis is still seen by some as a “risky” issue tied to broader legalization fears. Combined with congressional gridlock and competing legislative priorities, the result is inertia. Until the political cost of inaction outweighs the fear of perceived controversy, even commonsense reforms like safe banking for legal businesses will continue to be delayed.
What should cannabis operators ask or look for when evaluating payment processing partners to avoid unexpected service disruptions?
To prevent disruptions, cannabis operators should look for processors with proven, long-term stability and connections in the cannabis space. Clear communication, transparent fees, and month-to-month contract options can signal flexibility and trustworthiness. Ultimately, choose a partner who’s not just selling a service, but actively invested in the industry’s long-term success.
What types of payment options does Primo Payments support? And what kinds of businesses are eligible for your services?
Primo Payments supports a wide range of payment options designed specifically for the cannabis industry, including credit and debit card processing, ACH bank transfers, and Debit solutions. We offer in-store, online, and mobile payment capabilities. Our services are available to licensed cannabis-related businesses such as dispensaries, seed banks, breeders, and hemp product sellers. With a focus on compliance and long-term sustainability, Primo Payments works closely with each client to ensure their payment setup is both secure and tailored to the unique challenges of the cannabis space.
What sets Primo Payments apart from other providers that work with cannabis-related businesses?
What sets Primo Payments apart is our long-standing commitment to the cannabis industry and the way we show up for our clients. We’ve been working exclusively with cannabis-related businesses for nearly a decade, so we understand the unique challenges operators face – from banking instability to compliance hurdles. Unlike providers who offer cookie-cutter or temporary solutions, we maintain direct relationships with cannabis-compliant banks and prioritize transparency every step of the way. We don’t just set you up and disappear, we stay involved, offering hands-on support, proactive communication, and guidance tailored to your business. At Primo, we’re not just your processor, we’re your partner.
Although Primo Payments serves clients nationally and internationally, you’re based here in the DMV and work with many operators in the local cannabis community. What is your favorite aspect of running a business here?
Although we serve clients across the world, being based in the DMV and working closely with the local cannabis community means a lot to us. There’s a unique energy here: a mix of advocacy, resilience, and grassroots entrepreneurship that you don’t always find elsewhere. One of my favorite aspects of running a business in this area is the opportunity to build real, face-to-face relationships with operators who are shaping the future of cannabis in our own backyard. We’re not just service providers, we’re neighbors, collaborators, and part of the same ecosystem working toward a more sustainable, equitable local industry.
How does Primo Payments continue to adjust to changing legal landscapes in the cannabis landscape?
At Primo Payments, we stay ahead of the evolving cannabis landscape by closely monitoring state and federal regulatory changes and adapting our offerings accordingly. When policies shift like the crackdown on cashless ATMs we pivot quickly to compliant alternatives like PIN Debit, ATMs, ACH, and QR-based payments. Our hands-on approach ensures our clients stay operational and compliant, no matter how the rules change. Flexibility, transparency, and industry expertise are how we help cannabis businesses thrive in an unpredictable environment.
What do you think the cannabis financial landscape might look like five years from now?
Five years from now, I believe the cannabis financial landscape will look significantly more stable, but still uniquely complex. If federal reforms like the SAFER Banking Act or rescheduling move forward, we’ll likely see broader access to traditional banking services – think business loans, merchant accounts, and even lines of credit becoming more available to licensed operators. Major card networks may cautiously re-enter the space, enabling true credit and debit card acceptance. That said, compliance will still be critical, and only operators with solid financial records and transparent practices will fully benefit. I also expect a wave of consolidation, with more institutional capital entering the space and financial expectations becoming more rigorous. The companies that invest in real infrastructure now, especially around payments and compliance will be the ones best positioned to lead in that more mature and competitive market.
