The cannabis business is booming, causing a positive shift in public perception and marketing opportunities. Now, thanks to cannabis business social networks, cannapreneurs and cannasseurs can collaborate and communicate online without consequence.

Unlike conventional social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, these cannabis-centric social networks support business-to-business (B2B) connections, industry trends, and community forums without restrictions on cannabis-related content.

Cannabis social networks are relatively new, with fewer users and less engagement than the mainstream platforms. However, if you’re in the cannabis biz, these sites are a great go-to to promote your products and provide a voice to your brand.

Who Benefits from Cannabis Business Social Networks?

Cannabis business social sites are great for all cannabis enthusiasts, but they’re especially geared towards…

• Cannabis businesses seeking products and services.
• Manufacturers and cultivators seeking distributors and dispensaries for their cannabis products.
• Distributors seeking new dispensary partnerships.
• People eager to get into the cannabis biz.
• Product and service providers seeking customers.

Here’s how these sites help people from almost all walks of the cannabis life succeed…

Why Are Cannabis Business Social Networks Important?

If you’re in the cannabis industry, you’ll love connecting with fellow cannasseurs to discuss the latest and greatest updates on all things cannabis. No restrictions, just like-minded connections.

Have no fear! Your account won’t be cancelled if you talk about bud.

On cannabis business social networks you can:

• Network with fellow cannapreneurs to discuss potential business deals and partnerships.
• Find and fill open positions in the cannabis industry.
• Stay informed on the latest industry trends thru news, blogs, and community forums.
• Sell products to other businesses in the cannabis industry (B2B).

For business-to-customer (B2C) connections and sales, conventional social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are still best. Why? Although most people in the cannabis industry are also consumers, they don’t tend to use cannabis business social sites to search for personal products.  

Unfortunately, cannabis social networks aren’t one-stop-sites for all your cannabis needs. If you want to increase your B2C connections and sales, you’ll have to brave the mainstream social media giants. Dun, dun, duuun!

Restrictions, restrictions, restrictions!

What Are the Mainstream Social Media Restrictions for Cannabis Marketers?

Cannabis marketing on mainstream social media isn’t easy. It’s actually pretty darn hard! However, having accounts on social media giants like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be valuable marketing and customer engagement tools if you don’t violate the following guidelines…

• Avoid posting content that promotes the sale of cannabis products, including language that mentions buying, prices, or recommendations to cannabis dispensary locations or websites.
• Avoid using images of cannabis products or people using and enjoying them.
• Avoid words like “cannabis,” “weed,” and “marijuana.”

Your post could be removed or, even worse, your account canceled if you don’t adhere to the strict guidelines.

So, what can you post?

Luckily, there are ways to work around these restrictions. If you focus your social media presence on useful, educational cannabis info, not “the hard sell,” you can benefit from mainstream social media platforms in the following ways…

LinkedIn is the best social network for B2B sales, networking, and partnerships. Active, professional participation on the platform helps you connect with people in the industry and prospects. Currently Linkedin is the best main stream social media platform for cannabis and CBD brands as they tend not to restrict content posted by users.

Instagram is a video and image-centric social platform that attracts a younger audience. Eye-catching pictures with captions encourage B2C sales thru comments that strengthen connections. Instagram images and stories give your followers a glimpse into your cannabis biz, building brand awareness and customer relationships.

Facebook is a text-heavy social media giant that attracts an older audience eager to keep up with current events and news. Facebook promotes B2C sales by helping cannabis marketers see what important industry-specific topics insiders and consumers are discussing.

Twitter promotes B2C sales thru tweets among industry insiders and consumers.

See, it’s not so bad, but remember:

To avoid being banned on mainstream social media networks, be a teacher not a salesperson. Whether you post, tweet, or create an IG story, always aim your content towards educating others about cannabis—benefits of terpenes, potential drug interactions, and current legality issues.  

Now, back to the stress-free, cannabis-friendly, non-restrictive sites…

Which ones are best for you and your business?

Here are some pros and cons of the most popular cannabis business social networks to help you decide:

Pros & Cons of the Top Three Cannabis Business Social Networks

1.  WeedLife, aka “the cannabis Facebook,” is a newer, thriving social network due to popular newsfeeds, how-tos, and reviews for cannabis enthusiasts. WeedLife also provides social media marketing opportunities to cannabis companies, looking to improve revenue and brand visibility.

Pros:

• Delivers current, catchy cannabis content—news, trends, and products.
• Connects cannabis lovers thru individual profiles, groups, and fan pages.
• Provides an active cannabis forum for discussions and opinions.
• Connects users with industry experts.
• Promotes B2C sales.
  
  

Cons:  

• Not recommended for business to business (B2B) or consumer to consumer discussions.

 

 

2. GrassCity is the oldest cannabis business social network. Originally, a forum for cannabis growers to share their knowledge, this site has developed into an invaluable cannabis social network that also connects consumers and businesses to exchange product reviews and industry-related stories.

Pros:

• Introduces newbies to the world of cannabis.
• Has a convenient mobile app.
• Discusses the latest cannabis-related legislation and politics.
• Offers tutorials on growing cannabis indoors and outdoors.
• Provides a list of U.S. cannabis dispensaries.
  
  

Cons:

• You must be 19 years or older to register for this network.

 

 

3. LeafWire is considered the LinkedIn of cannabis social network sites due to its focus on connecting investors with cannabis business professionals. LeafWire connects cannabis-minded businessmen and women to develop partnerships that help grow their businesses (pun intended).

Pros:

• Promotes connections with business owners to get investment advice.
• Provides plenty of cannabis investor connection opportunities.
• Posts an updated list of cannabis-related job opportunities.
  
  

Cons:

• Geared towards professionals, not recreational cannabis users.

 

So, there you have it.

Are you ready to make some new cannabis connections for business and pleasure?