13 Cannabis Businesses ( & Side Hustles ) You Can Start With Your Tax Refund (Under $500)

1. CBD Drop Shipping Business

You don’t need to hold inventory to sell CBD products. With dropshipping, you can create an online store and partner with suppliers who handle fulfillment.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Shopify/WooCommerce store setup: $29–$79/month

• Domain & hosting: $15–$50

• Marketing (Google/Facebook ads): $200–$400

📈 How to Grow:

• Use influencer marketing

• Leverage SEO to drive organic traffic

• Offer subscription-based CBD products

2. Cannabis Consulting

If you have knowledge of cannabis laws, business regulations, or industry trends, you can start a consulting business to help dispensaries, cultivators, and entrepreneurs navigate the space.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Website & branding: $200

• Business registration: $100–$250

• Marketing materials: $50–$100

📈 How to Grow:

• Offer free educational content on LinkedIn

• Build authority through networking and speaking engagements

3. Cannabis Content Creation (Blogging, YouTube, or Social Media Management)

The cannabis industry needs high-quality, compliant content. If you’re skilled in writing, video editing, or social media marketing, you can help brands with content creation.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Website & domain: $100

• Basic equipment (microphone, lighting): $200

• Social media ads for promotion: $200

📈 How to Grow:

• Monetize through affiliate marketing

• Offer paid writing services for cannabis blogs and brands

4. Cannabis Event Planning

Host educational workshops, networking events, or cannabis-friendly gatherings for enthusiasts and businesses.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Event venue deposit: $250

• Marketing & promotions: $150

• Event supplies & branding: $100

📈 How to Grow:

• Partner with dispensaries for sponsorships

• Sell VIP tickets for exclusive experiences

5. Cannabis Packaging & Branding Design

Many cannabis brands need custom packaging, labels, and branding materials. If you have graphic design skills, you can start a branding business.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: $20/month

• Business website: $100

• Marketing & ads: $200

📈 How to Grow:

• Build a portfolio showcasing past work

• Offer affordable package deals to startups

6. Affiliate Marketing for Cannabis Products

Promote CBD and cannabis-related products through social media or a blog and earn commissions.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Website & domain: $100

• Content creation (videos, blogs): $200

• Email marketing software: $50/month

📈 How to Grow:

• Focus on SEO and content marketing

• Build an email list with exclusive cannabis deals

7. Edibles Cooking Classes (Non-THC Infused)

Host workshops teaching people how to make edibles using CBD or other legal ingredients.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Kitchen rental (if needed): $200

• Ingredients & packaging: $100

• Marketing & ads: $200

📈 How to Grow:

• Offer virtual classes for more scalability

• Create a YouTube channel with free recipes

8. Cannabis Apparel & Merchandise

Start a cannabis-inspired clothing or accessories brand using print-on-demand services.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Shopify store setup: $29/month

• Print-on-demand samples: $100

• Facebook & Instagram ads: $300

📈 How to Grow:

• Collaborate with cannabis influencers

• Launch limited-edition designs

9. Cannabis-Themed Subscription Boxes

Curate subscription boxes with accessories, CBD products, and lifestyle items.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Initial product inventory: $300

• Packaging & branding: $100

• Marketing & ads: $100

📈 How to Grow:

• Partner with small brands for exclusive deals

• Offer a referral program

10. Cannabis-Friendly Home & Office Decor Business

Design and sell cannabis-themed artwork, candles, or decorative pieces.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Materials & supplies: $200

• Etsy shop & website: $100

• Marketing & promotions: $200

📈 How to Grow:

• Sell at cannabis events and expos

• Offer custom design services

11. Cannabis Business Directories & Job Boards

Create an online directory listing cannabis-friendly businesses, jobs, and events.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Website & hosting: $200

• Marketing & ads: $300

📈 How to Grow:

• Charge businesses for premium listings

• Offer job-matching services

12. Mobile Cannabis-Friendly Cleaning Service

Provide specialized cleaning services for dispensaries, grow rooms, and cannabis lounges.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Cleaning supplies: $150

• Business registration: $100

• Marketing materials: $250

📈 How to Grow:

• Offer subscription-based cleaning services

• Build partnerships with dispensary owners

13. Cannabis Photography & Videography

Help cannabis brands create high-quality visual content for marketing and social media.

💰 Investment Breakdown:

• Camera & equipment rental: $300

• Website & portfolio setup: $100

• Social media ads: $100

📈 How to Grow:

• Offer bundled content packages

• Work with cannabis magazines and blogs

Why I Want to Work With Cannabis Entrepreneurs

The cannabis industry is full of opportunity, but it’s also highly competitive and regulated. I specialize in high-performance marketing strategies that help businesses stand out and drive sales. From branding and content creation to Google Ads, social media marketing, and event promotions, I help cannabis entrepreneurs maximize their potential.

If you’re starting a cannabis business and want expert guidance on building your brand, driving traffic, and increasing revenue, let’s connect.

📩 Contact me today to discuss your cannabis business goals and how I can help you grow.