Anybody experienced with monetizing the marijuana niche?

57 replies
Anybody ever have a marijuana related website and attempted to monetize it? I have one right now and im using 420click CPC ad network. Anyone have any tips for increased ROI?
#experienced #marijuana #monetizing #niche
  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    Originally Posted by webmonopoly View Post

    Anybody ever have a marijuana related website and attempted to monetize it? I have one right now and im using 420click CPC ad network. Anyone have any tips for increased ROI?
    Um...perhaps you could try a joint venture...?
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

      Um...perhaps you could try a joint venture...?

      Haha!

      That was rather witty and made me laugh right out loud.

      Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author TelZilla
    I foresee a lot of bad puns coming your way....

    I'm not sure what you could use to monetize it due to the nature of the subject. A lot of ad networks wouldn't want anything to do with it because of the subject matter, but I'm sure you could find something if you search enough.

    Perhaps you could sell an ebook related to the topic... How to make a pipe or some such animal...
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    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
      Banned
      Originally Posted by TelZilla View Post

      I foresee a lot of bad puns coming your way....
      Don't worry, they shouldn't be too hard to weed out, unless you can't see the forest for the trees...
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
        It could be a budding niche if it weren't quite so seedy.

        Terra
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        • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
          Banned
          Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

          It could be a budding niche if it weren't quite so seedy.

          Terra
          It'd take a real grassroots campaign to get it going.
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          • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
            Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

            It'd take a real grassroots campaign to get it going.
            Well, the buzz is that the OP has set his expectations too high.

            Terra
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            • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
              Banned
              Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

              Well, the buzz is that the OP has set his expectations too high.

              Terra
              Well, he'll just have to deal with it. Unless you want to be a heroin and help him out.
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              • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
                Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

                Well, he'll just have to deal with it. Unless you want to be a heroin and help him out.
                Shoot! I can't, I don't roll in that vein and I'm not that blunt.

                Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author karlmay1980
    I am sure you could monetize it with your own digital product, but you may find it difficult to buy ads as many networks wont allow this type of business being advertised, if you can find related blogs and forums, maybe magazines etc then you could buy ads through them and it will be well targeted!

    Keep what you put in your content completely legal otherwise things could just end up in smoke!
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  • Profile picture of the author DeanotheHermit
    i have a website sellings cigs, i know it's not the same i only added the post becasue like the market you are going into it is not main stream at all, maybe give me a PM for some tips. as the cigs sites are doing really well. thx.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Sell little baggies of it to your visitors?
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  • Profile picture of the author NaJedynce
    It seems that only few tried this but still didn't answer here. Didn't mention about it myself too.
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  • Profile picture of the author DeanotheHermit
    I dont think many ad companies will touch it at all (if any) very hard to market stuff like that been there and i can tell you first hand it can be tough.
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  • Profile picture of the author louie6925
    Work it well and you should make at pot load of cash!
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    Feel free to chat if you live in the UK I may have something for you!
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by louie6925 View Post

      Work it well and you should make at pot load of cash!
      I'm glad you bolded that bit Louie because I'd have never got that one, especially after Joe and Terra's recent run.

      /sarcasm.
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

      Um...perhaps you could try a joint venture...?
      Originally Posted by karlmay1980 View Post

      Keep what you put in your content completely legal otherwise things could just end up in smoke!
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Sell little baggies of it to your visitors?
      Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

      Don't worry, they shouldn't be too hard to weed out, unless you can't see the forest for the trees...
      Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

      It could be a budding niche if it weren't quite so seedy.
      Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

      It'd take a real grassroots campaign to get it going.
      Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

      Well, the buzz is that the OP has set his expectations too high.
      Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

      Well, he'll just have to deal with it. Unless you want to be a heroin and help him out.
      Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

      Shoot! I can't, I don't roll in that vein and I'm not that blunt.
      Originally Posted by louie6925 View Post

      Work it well and you should make at pot load of cash!
      That's ten and counting!

      But if the OP was hoping that one of these would address his problem, I'm afraid that no pun in ten did.
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      • Profile picture of the author TelZilla
        Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

        That's ten and counting!

        But if the OP was hoping that one of these would address his problem, I'm afraid that no pun in ten did.
        Now THAT is funny. LMAO.
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      • Profile picture of the author louie6925
        Ok seriously are you promoting any physical products? as above amazon would be great, there are tons of books on the subject and just having a quick browse there are tons of things you could sell online, you will have to check the laws first, but here in the uk it is leagal to sell seeds and a whole load of growing equipment such as grow tents, lights, fans, humidifiers, trays, irrigation systems, hydroplonic systems etc etc.

        If I was to go down this route I'd probably feel inclined to build a whole new site on horticulture and link to it from you marajuana site! it might look a bit too blatant selling that sort of stuff and would probably land yourself in trouble!

        Before doing anything I would fully look into the legalities of it all first!!!

        On a side note with all the environment issues, its good to see your taking the whole green thing seriously! (sorry couldn't resist!)
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        Feel free to chat if you live in the UK I may have something for you!
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        • Profile picture of the author webmonopoly
          Originally Posted by louie6925 View Post

          Ok seriously are you promoting any physical products? as above amazon would be great, there are tons of books on the subject and just having a quick browse there are tons of things you could sell online, you will have to check the laws first, but here in the uk it is leagal to sell seeds and a whole load of growing equipment such as grow tents, lights, fans, humidifiers, trays, irrigation systems, hydroplonic systems etc etc.

          If I was to go down this route I'd probably feel inclined to build a whole new site on horticulture and link to it from you marajuana site! it might look a bit too blatant selling that sort of stuff and would probably land yourself in trouble!

          Before doing anything I would fully look into the legalities of it all first!!!

          On a side note with all the environment issues, its good to see your taking the whole green thing seriously! (sorry couldn't resist!)
          Im in a whole other micro niche away from growing and all that, very unique site that is creating natural backlinks. Will try amazon asap, thanks for the input.

          PS. Laws in Canada are very lenient, no problems here
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      • Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

        That's ten and counting!

        But if the OP was hoping that one of these would address his problem, I'm afraid that no pun in ten did.
        After reading all of those I was wondering... wait... what were we talking about?
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  • Profile picture of the author Danny Shaw
    Yes I do. Last year I set up 5 domains targeting this niche. Ranking the website was very simple and directed traffic to Amazon and other affiliate offers. I did make some good money but have gone on to other things because coming up with new content constantly was.....Boring!

    If you have your own products get them on amazon and build 100's of squidoo lenes. Then blast the hell out of those lenses with links.

    Easy pickings.
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    • Profile picture of the author webmonopoly
      Originally Posted by Danny Shaw View Post

      Yes I do. Last year I set up 5 domains targeting this niche. Ranking the website was very simple and directed traffic to Amazon and other affiliate offers. I did make some good money but have gone on to other things because coming up with new content constantly was.....Boring!

      If you have your own products get them on amazon and build 100's of squidoo lenes. Then blast the hell out of those lenses with links.

      Easy pickings.
      Its a good thing you mentioned amazon, completely forgot about them actualy. Ive been using this CPC network that is only weed ads called 420click. Its working ok at the moment, will have to try amazon tho and see how that goes. I already have some lenses going, they work great and im still building.

      Thanks for the help
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Ok ... how about being an affiliate for Cheetos? It's a hungry market.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
      Banned
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Ok ... how about being an affiliate for Cheetos? It's a hungry market.
      They don't have Munchies where you live Suzanne? Those seem more appropriate...
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

        They don't have Munchies where you live Suzanne? Those seem more appropriate...
        Guess I'm behind the times
        Here in VA Munchies means just about anything edible in the junk food dept.
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        • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
          Banned
          Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

          Guess I'm behind the times
          Here in VA Munchies means just about anything edible in the junk food dept.
          That too, but it's also a mix of pretzels, cheetos, doritos and fritos. Don't remember the company that makes it...
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          • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
            Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

            That too, but it's also a mix of pretzels, cheetos, doritos and fritos. Don't remember the company that makes it...
            Wouldn't that be Frito Lay?

            Terra
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            • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
              Banned
              Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

              Wouldn't that be Frito Lay?

              Terra
              Maybe, it toke me a few tries to even remember what was in it.

              Edit: Yup, it's Frito Lay. You win Terra.
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  • Profile picture of the author karlmay1980
    Normally I would say give a digital product on the front end and something physical as an upsell in the back end but got a feeling someone may Grass you up!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kal Sallam
    I have seen a video on YT a while back,
    The guy was saying there's very low competition and lots of $ to be made.
    I believe he said he was banking like 5k p/m, probably re-investing it all!
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  • Profile picture of the author rts2271
    You know man like.......
    What were we talking about
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Silvey
    Originally Posted by webmonopoly View Post

    Anybody ever have a marijuana related website and attempted to monetize it? I have one right now and im using 420click CPC ad network. Anyone have any tips for increased ROI?
    You could advertise in Weed Magazine
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  • Profile picture of the author pamon
    I own the sites oc420.com and la420.com, both medical marijuana related niches. Debating on renewing the first one, but second one doesn't get much traffic. tough to bring traffic into it.
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    • Profile picture of the author webmonopoly
      Originally Posted by pamon View Post

      I own the sites oc420.com and la420.com, both medical marijuana related niches. Debating on renewing the first one, but second one doesn't get much traffic. tough to bring traffic into it.
      Cool man, how much $ you pulling in from la420.com?
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      • Profile picture of the author pamon
        Originally Posted by webmonopoly View Post

        Cool man, how much $ you pulling in from la420.com?
        minimal adsense income. want to try to flip it for a sale. will see. clicks on medical mj sites are decent though.
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    • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
      Okay, well, to start with, let me say that I am an ... umm ... accomplished farmer. I was even involved with the legit Medical business in Colorado for a while. I got out because the State required a full anal exam of your life - they want access to your personal checking acct, credit card statements, etc. Everything. I just didn't like that. I considered it an abuse of power and was unwilling to feed the machine and make money while supporting overreaching and tyrannical governmental control over an industry. Pete Coors gets to make a drug, alcohol, that has no medicinal purpose, only recreational, kills way more people and ruins way more lives than weed ever could, yet he and his family incur no such scrutiny. Hell, they even run for political office within the state.

      The hypocricy and favoritism is stunning and I would rather be dead broke than be a part of such a system - kinda like having to sell my soul just to have a legitimate business so I could help some real people with real medical conditions (like cancer) and make some money.

      The final straw came with their second year policies that were going to cost me about $100,000 to remain compliant with a bunch of arbitrary crap. They already took tens of thousnads from me and were doubling their lisc fee from about 12 grand to $25,000 just to play the game.

      Kiss my arse. Yea, I could still profit, but NO WAY was I going to be in any type of business, especially one that is an agricultural business, where I was forced to cough up that much money just to play the game. I have principles that do override my desire for wealth and I just couldn't do it - I could not comply with tyranny and abuse of governmental power by unelectable, unaccountable bureaucrats.

      Did I mention that the medical MJ business is overseen and run by the Colorado State Department of Revenue?

      [/a little pissin' and moanin']

      So, the legitimate, legal growing business has been around for a few years here in Colorado, but I have been a ski bum for many more years than that and weed is just part of that lifestyle. Point of that is that I have been invovled in the 'online growing scene' for quite some time - back to the mid 90's.

      There are plenty of advertisers out there that you can court and that DO pay for advertising on weed based sites.

      Nutrient companies, smoking paraphinelia, detox products, herbal smokes, growing equipment (hydro and dirt farming), lights, CO2 generators, etc. Go walk into your local head (smoking accessories) shop or your local grow store and look at everything they sell. Hemp clothing, hemp seed oil, etc.

      Also, you can sell an ebook. A growing guide - I suspect a good amount of cash resides here. Although it would help if you knew how to grow and grow da diggity dank, not just sub par stuff - there is way more involved than most think. Hell, I could put together a couple hundred pages on the subject.

      There are some things to be careful of though. One of your fellow Canucks is sitting in jail right now. A little joint Mounty/DEA thing. What they got him for was selling seeds.

      His site was Overgrow(dot)com and it was taken down in 2006. It was the largest growing forum on the net. After he was arrested, other forum owners were crapping their pants, worried about being picked up on RICO charges. They all survived though with no problems, as they weren't shipping seeds across international borders like Overgrow was.

      Moral of the story? Don't monitize your site by selling seeds. You can pull it off in some parts of Europe - Netherlands, Spain, maybe the UK, but don't go that route if you are in the US or Canada.

      Keep the word 'Medical' prominent on your site. I beleive we are up to around 17 or so sates now that allow medical MJ in some form and obviously medical MJ is legal in Canada.

      I mentioned in a thread a while ago that medical MJ is an obvious niche. It will only grow (pun intended).

      All of the puns are funny. For sure. But as an advocate, I think a lot of you would be amazed at the amount of intelligence that can be found on weed forums. Some posts read like graduate level horticultural material and scientific reports. There are some very, very smart people who grow weed.

      Ya know, when I walked away from the industry over a year ago, a bit jaded, I swore off ever trying to make money in any way, shape or form off of Sweet Lady Jane. Ever. I renewed that vow when I registered here to further my education on IMing.

      Perhaps that was a rash decision.

      Excuse me, I think I have an ebook to start writing, since I am actually an expert in that field. Maybe a website to create or find an experienced IMer who wants to pay for the services of an expensive, expert ghostwriter
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  • Profile picture of the author SandyDuPlessis
    As I recall, hemp is a byproduct of one of the marijuana/cannabis varieties. There are a lot of products made from hemp e.g. clothing and various industrial products. Try doing a search for "hemp clothing affiliate program".
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    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
      Banned
      Originally Posted by SandyDuPlessis View Post

      As I recall, hemp is a byproduct of one of the marijuana/cannabis varieties. There are a lot of products made from hemp e.g. clothing and various industrial products. Try doing a search for "hemp clothing affiliate program".
      The puns, they're bong...er gone.
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
        Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

        Maybe, it toke me a few tries to even remember what was in it.

        Edit: Yup, it's Frito Lay. You win Terra.
        Well thanks Joe, but I wasn't trying to win anything, I was just trying to be hempful. Darn typos! Er, helpful.

        Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

        The puns, they're bong...er gone.
        Probably because some people are known to be afraid of roaches.

        Terra
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

          The puns, they're bong...er gone.
          Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

          some people are known to be afraid of roaches.

          Here in the 'hood, homies get more bong for the buck with hits from hookahs, not roaches.
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        • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
          Banned
          Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

          Well thanks Joe, but I wasn't trying to win anything
          We're in a neverending competition. You just don't know about it because I am usually the winner and I don't want to hurt your feelings.
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          • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
            Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

            We're in a neverending competition. You just don't know about it because I am usually the winner and I don't want to hurt your feelings.
            Huh? Who would have thought that The Joe Robinson would consider me a worthy opponent? I'm honored, I'm flattered, I'm tickled pink and I'm flying in the clouds on a natural high...

            But then again, what kind of guy brags about winning when they compete with girls? :p

            Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author Tris
    I have a few sites + an active list of weed smokers if you're interested

    Feel free to PM me details of your stuff webmonopoly. If relevant we can test traffic...
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Maybe you could sell stoner toons. Here's an oldy but goodie:


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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    Yes be VERY CAREFUL.

    I know onlinepot.org gets a lot of traffic but he has been advertising illegal "moms" (mail order marijuana provider) for many years now. This guy spends most his time keeping the feds at bay.... which doesn't work.

    2 months ago the second largest online drug/pot provider got shutdown in a MASSIVE sting called "operation atom bomb".

    Feds bust "Farmer's Market," an online illegal drug ring hidden by TOR | Digital Trends

    They had been advertising at first on onlinepot.org, and it took the dea 2 year just to shut them down.

    They were selling to 35 countries and all 50 states, were around for about 8 years. So feds are cracking down hard and you really need to watch your ass in a niche like this almost regardless of what you actually do.

    g/luck! -Red
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    • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
      For sure Red, there are things to watch out for, but having an information site that deals with how to cultivate your own medicine for those that have gone through whatever state regs they need to, is fine.

      I don't think anyone here is actually thinking about selling weed online. If they are, they are stupid. Just monetizing an information site about medical MJ, something that is legal in close to half of all States. Those types of sites have been in existence for many, many years now.

      You can walk into any Barnes & Noble bookstore in Colorado and choose from 3 or 4 books about MJ cultivation.

      Or, you can just go online: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/mari...tore=nookstore

      Not only do I trust the 15 year+ track record of info sites on the subject, but I trust the legal team and corporate decisions of the world's largest bookstore.

      If you focus on the medical aspect and don't do stupid things like actually sell weed, you are fine. From your link:

      The online marketplace, which sold a variety of narcotics, including LSD, Ecstasy, mescaline, and marijuana, to about 3,000 people in 35 countries around the globe, used TOR software to hide the IP addresses of those involved.

      Those guys are drug dealers. LSD, Ex, Narcotics? That is an entirely different ballgame then what this thread is about.

      What those guys did is obviously illegal. Monetizing a site that helps people who are lisc. by their State to use MJ medically cultivate their own medicine is not the same thing. At all.

      EDIT: I am a professional knucklehead, not a lawyer. The 'just fine' stuff was not legal advice. It was common sense advice supported by the fact that one can assume, through common sense, that Barnes & Noble would not even consider selling those types of books were there the slightest chance of the feds getting involved - it would be an incredibly stupid business risk/decision and not one they would make.
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      • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
        Originally Posted by Christopher Fox View Post

        For sure Red, there are things to watch out for, but having an information site that deals with how to cultivate your own medicine for those that have gone through whatever state regs they need to, is fine.

        I don't think anyone here is actually thinking about selling weed online. If they are, they are stupid. Just monetizing an information site about medical MJ, something that is legal in close to half of all States. Those types of sites have been in existence for many, many years now.

        You can walk into any Barnes & Noble bookstore in Colorado and choose from 3 or 4 books about MJ cultivation.

        Or, you can just go online: BARNES & NOBLE | marijuana

        Not only do I trust the 15 year+ track record of info sites on the subject, but I trust the legal team and corporate decisions of the world's largest bookstore.

        If you focus on the medical aspect and don't do stupid things like actually sell weed, you are fine. From your link:

        The online marketplace, which sold a variety of narcotics, including LSD, Ecstasy, mescaline, and marijuana, to about 3,000 people in 35 countries around the globe, used TOR software to hide the IP addresses of those involved.

        Those guys are drug dealers. LSD, Ex, Narcotics? That is an entirely different ballgame then what this thread is about.

        What those guys did is obviously illegal. Monetizing a site that helps people who are lisc. by their State to use MJ medically cultivate their own medicine is not the same thing. At all.

        EDIT: I am a professional knucklehead, not a lawyer. The 'just fine' stuff was not legal advice. It was common sense advice supported by the fact that one can assume, through common sense, that Barnes & Noble would not even consider selling those types of books were there the slightest chance of the feds getting involved - it would be an incredibly stupid business risk/decision and not one they would make.

        Absolutely agree. I honestly wasn't sure WHAT the OP plans on getting involved with, and was definitely expecting it would have nothing to do with that.

        The ONLY reason I mentioned it is because in this niche there seems to be a lot of lies going back and forth.

        Sites that pretend they are only offering medical marijuana to certified patients, and you find out thats not whats going on. They're straight selling pot to teenagers or anyone you can think.

        Other sites promoting the growth of pot, or how you can find seeds for growing pot, LOTS of these places are overun with feds. Even the "legitimate" ones. They might not sell seeds themselves on their site, just source them on another site. Then you find out the same person owns both sites.

        One thing I have noticed is even on legitimate pot forums and websites, you find people doing boldy illegal things "behind the scenes". Maybe the OP wants to start his own pot forum (like rollitup). Its a totally legitimate concept imo. Nothing illegal about it. Untill you find out some members on your forum are selling pot. Untill you have law enforcement contacting you to shut the site down.

        The one thing I wanted to get across is that in this niche I just don't think you can be too paranoid about anything. It WILL ultimately depend on WHAT he sets out to do, just keep in mind there are lots of anti-conformist type thinkers in this niche.

        I made a very extreme point I agree, but thats all I really wanted to get across.

        Thanks - Red
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        • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
          Wasn't trying to come at you personally with the bolding, Red. Hope you didn't take it that way. You raise legitimate points about things to avoid, but I still think if you stick with info and any products you sell are either info or affiliate grow equipment, you can let your paranoia ease a bit.

          Just don't do anything that Barnes & Noble or your local grow shop isn't doing and you are green ... I mean golden. Barnes & Noble is selling, both in their brick and mortar as well as their online store, books on how to grow weed. They wouldn't do that if they felt there was even the slightest risk, whatsoever, of getting in trouble or that they were dangerously flirting some imaginary line of what is okay and what is not. It is First Amendment protected stuff and it is not illegal for either them, or anyone else, to sell a book about Sweet Lady Jane cultivation.

          Of course, if one is concerned, they should consult a lawyer. A MJ lawyer would be best. There are plenty of those out there and if you don't live in Cali or Colo or another state that has lawyers that specialize in Medical MJ, I am sure they would gladly take your money for a phone consultation.

          Sites that pretend they are only offering medical marijuana to certified patients, and you find out thats not whats going on. They're straight selling pot to teenagers or anyone you can think.
          People that have sites like this are idiots. Selling Medical MJ online will eventually land you in trouble, I am sure, and like many, I have a moral and ethical objection to people selling 'medicine' online - greedy a-holes who aren't responsible and don't care who their customers are, just their green for your green.

          It is not just stupid to do this, it is flat out wrong.

          Info and growing supplies and maybe other, legal items your average stoner wants. To reduce worry, one can certainly avoid advertising smoking accessories.

          One thing I have noticed is even on legitimate pot forums and websites, you find people doing boldy illegal things "behind the scenes".
          And you know this how?

          Times have changed and I haven't spent anytime on those forums for well over a year, but most of what went on 'behind the scenes' throughout the past dealt with genetics - clone and seed exchanges between growers. Anyone who openly discussed such issues, like buying weed, was immediately banned. Plausible deniability? OverGrow's server was seized, yet RC was being charged with seed distribution for his company Heaven's Stairway, not for members selling weed via PMs. Nobody else who posted on that site was ever confronted by law enforcement as a result of that seizure that I am aware of.

          And that was the biggest, baddest weed forum around, with a lot of members and a lot of grow-op pictures. The forum wasn't the problem, even with what may or may not have been going on via PMs. The seed distribution company, Heaven's Stairway, which RC promoted with OverGrow, was what got him in trouble with the po-po. And the reason the po-po took action was because he was shipping across international borders and for some reason, some DEA dudes and US attorneys felt it their obligation to go ruin some Canuck's life for selling beans. A seed. Legal to do in Canada, but not here. Well, a lot of seeds, but still, a damn seed? A product of Mother Nature. Gimme a break.

          [sarcasm]I'm still waiting for our intrepid legal system to issue an arrest warrant for Mother Nature. They are her damn beans to begin with. She's a slippery one though and on the lam - tough to catch.[/sarcasm]

          Maybe the OP wants to start his own pot forum (like rollitup). Its a totally legitimate concept imo. Nothing illegal about it. Untill you find out some members on your forum are selling pot. Untill you have law enforcement contacting you to shut the site down.
          As far as starting a forum, well, that would be an uphill battle. Those forums rely heavily on user submitted pictures - people like to show off and non-growers want to see people's grow-ops. If you were going to have any chance of success, you would need to get a few expert growers on board, preferably ones that have already made a reputation on other forums, and they would have to throw up some grow threads with plenty 'o pics. No pics, no traffic, or at least traffic that will not hang around. I have watched more than one try, and it ain't easy to generate traffic, even with a core group of established growers who have an established online presense. There are a few well established sites with many, many pics, experts, well known folks, etc. Stiff, entrenched competition.

          I would liken it to trying to start a forum to compete with the WF - good luck and it will take a while.

          To me, this niche is screaming, 'Info Product!' Maybe some on site ad space for grow equipment. Enough traffic and you could arrange an online store dealing with hard goods - grow equipment, nutrients, etc. As far as a list, well, maybe I will have to find out about how easily one could be monetized. A list could be tough to monetize, but certainly not impossible.

          Info, Info, Info. Info on the site and info to sell.

          And now I think I am going to shut up. After reflecting upon this thread, it has been silly of me to swear off the niche due to irksome bureaucrats I was dealing with a little over a year ago, considering the level of my expertise on the subject of cultivation, so I don't think I am going to give away any more ideas before I have a chance to employ them for myslef. Back to that ebook. Or three.
          Signature
          One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothing can beat teamwork.

          - Seldom Seen Smith
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  • Profile picture of the author damasgate
    umm...build a site with stoner material (shows like adventure time) and put up ads for local restaurants?
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  • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
    I have an MJ site. Actually traffic is not my problem, monetizing it is.
    Here ya go:

    This is me helping someone else make money and making my entrance into the MJ grow guide niche more difficult. Why am I doing this? I dunno. Maybe Karma will swing back my way in the near future.

    I cannot vouch for the cat or anything, but this is probably a better option for monetization than what you have been trying.

    [/second good deed for the day ... time to go nighty night]
    Signature
    One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothing can beat teamwork.

    - Seldom Seen Smith
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  • Profile picture of the author TemperThompson
    Amazon affilate products!
    Sell hydroponics systems, bongs, herb grinders, rolling papers, etc. Amazon even sells weed tea, weed energy drinks, weed candy, etc. It's actually hemp, which has far less THC, so it's legal to sell like that.
    T-shirts will be PERFECT for this as well. Either use Amazon affiliate for T-Shirts, but you can can also use a site like CafePress or Zazzle where you design the shirt online, sell it with no investment, and the site just takes a percent of the sale. Or, you could buy the shirts wholesale, then retail them.

    I'm planning on doing this soon with YouTube marketing and Facebook fan pages!
    Signature

    [ATTENTION AFFILIATES:] Want to earn 100% commission on a powerful Kindle offer converting at over 20%? Go check out my JV page here:
    http://temperthompson.com/affiliates...ndle-promo-jv/

    Any questions at all? Feel free to send me a message.

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  • Profile picture of the author AlexGeorge
    I would market physical products, like pipes, bongs, vaporizers - there is a massive boom in vaporizer sales I'm sure as word gets out and technology gets better these will sell more and more. Top end of the scale they sell for hundreds of dollars so commission might not be too bad.

    I have a bong related youtube channel with 370k views and climbing. If you are interested in renting some link space PM me.
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  • Profile picture of the author rizy
    The only solution to this is selling physical products, or mayyybe an ebook explaining the health benefits of weed, but most likely they are not interested in that. So you should go for selling products such as:

    Digital Scale
    Box of Clear Eyes (or amazon affiliate link to Clear Eyes)
    Lighters
    Cigar Cutters
    Sell Boxes of Swishers (if you have license)
    ZigZag papers (if you have license)
    You could definitely sell pieces.

    I would personally start with Digital Scale, and maybe Clear Eyes...get the site to where it can make small money and then sell asap

    To get more of an idea visit Grasscity they have a large community like warriorforum but all potheads lol...and u shud visit their ecommerce section to get more of an idea on what u can do
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    Give me a toke and we will discuss it over munchies.
    Hey back off, I have prescriptions.
    JK.
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