Dedham Savings recently added loan financing to its cannabis banking product portfolio in Massachusetts, to support its growing portfolio of clients with cannabis-related businesses in the state.
“We’re a traditional community bank that also offers cannabis financing. Our cannabis financing and dispensary loans empower entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of the cannabis industry through reliable, flexible, and competitive solutions. Our lending experts are here to support established cannabis businesses throughout the cannabis supply chain,” Doug Shaw, Dedham Savings’ executive vice president and senior lending officer, said in a statement.
The $2 billion-asset bank launched its cannabis banking business in March last year, initially offering the opening of deposit accounts and cash management services to cannabis businesses. The bank said it committed significant resources, both human and technological, to aid the growing number of its CRB clients.
The bank’s portfolio of CRB clients includes cannabis dispensaries, wholesalers, testing labs and delivery services.
Dedham Savings said the lending service to CRB clients would be handled by the bank’s business development and commercial lending teams who are knowledgeable on the cannabis industry, its unique laws and banking requirements.
Cannabis lending commands a premium over regular commercial loans, at a time when banks are facing shrinking profit margins thanks to rising interest rates on many deposits.