I know everyone hates pot, but there is a huge market for pot head items. I was wondering how i can process payments for marijuana related dvds such as documnetaries, activism etc without getting busted down. PAYPAL HATES marijuana and im pretty sure google checkout does too. The thing is amazon.com sells these dvds along with some other high level retail shops. ANY suggestions?
Offshore is the only possible way you'll be able to do it. Do some searches for offshore merchant account or something similar.
When you say Paypal and Google "hates" marijuana, you mean they won't provide their service for these items? If that's the case I'm in shock, I didn't think Paypal would turn down a penny for any reason and I thought Google was supposed to be progressive?
Host your site with offshore hosting, use offshore merchant account/payment processor. That might be the only way to get it done.
Your best bet might be with a processor that is in a jurisdiction where marijuana laws aren't so nuts, and won't have a problem processing for marijuana related DVDs. Maybe ask MultiCards in Holland?
Please quote to me the law which is against selling documentaries about marijuana. These materials are protected by freedom of speech laws in every civilized country and distributing isn't illegal (assuming you have permission to sell them from the creators of these materials). Selling these DVDs may be against PayPal's ToS (I haven't checked if it is) but it's not illegal.
Hello, my 2 cents here. Depending on where you are distributing from will determine a lot but kingsoflegend is right, there's no law against free speech (that's what the DVDs amount to), it's not like you're selling weed. Why not cut to the chase and contact paypal, let them know your story and then work from there. There is a huge difference between Marijuana Activism DVDs and Marijuana Cultivation How-To DVDs, the latter being potentially illegal. If you are in a state that has Medical Marijuana Laws I suggest getting yourself a Card if you qualify for one. That would have nothing but positive ramifications for your site and potential business. PS: I'm not sure about Google Checkout, but Google AdSense is approved on my 'Marijuana' Site, I even got the go-ahead from the Google Reps., better to check at the source.
Last I checked dvd's were not an issue but utensils where for example. I had to help someone sort that out a few weeks ago. He went with alertpay. They are far more liberal. I think its absurd myself. Paypal is losing loads of cash. Nigel
Don't listen to alot of the people on here and stop saying "Everybody hates Pot". Marijuana is about to become legalized in California in November as there is a state ballot ongoing now with 65% of the people in favor of 100% legalization. It is the number 1 industry in California and complete ignorance if people ignore it. That being said. You are just selling a DVD. Go look. Amazon.com sells marijuana books on growing the stuff. It is called the 4th amendment. The right to freedom of speech that the USA prides itself on. And guess what, I am not in the USA. I am Canadian and hate the drug policiy that the USA tries to dictate to the rest of the world leaving countries in ruin because of their outdated drug laws of the 1930s. Soon companies like Paypal will fall or be sued for not allowing material that other companies like Amazon have no problem selling. Times are changing in marijuana just like they did for the Coors family when alcohol became legal. Or do we not remember the 1920s?
It is the First Amendment to the Constitution that guarantees our right to free speech. The Fourth Amendment is also important as it guarantees our right against unreasonable search and seizure.
Whatever...the USA keeps amending their constitution as they slowly erode peoples rights day by day. The point is.... this guy can sell anything and everything about marijuana books and information.
You should be ok with what information your trying to push.. I know of a solution that should work out perfectly for you, as it works for similar things. Although its for processing echecks only right now, they don't have credit card processing live yet.