Community Spotlight: Marci Knight & Park State Bank
Sep 17, 2025
Minnesota’s cannabis industry is growing fast but it’s still an industry that faces big hurdles when it comes to banking, compliance, and legitimacy. That’s why people like Marci Knight, Chief Marketing Officer I Cannabis Business Development of Park State Bank, are so important. Coming from a traditional banking background, Marci saw an opportunity to bring structure, integrity, and financial expertise to a space that desperately needed it. Her work is helping cannabis operators access the tools they need to thrive and, in turn, helping grow a stronger, more sustainable industry.
The Journey
Coming from traditional banking, Marci was drawn to cannabis because she recognized that many cannabis businesses struggled to access basic financial services due to regulatory gray areas. She knew Park State Bank had the talent and resources to build a bridge between legitimacy and growth and that’s exactly what she’s been doing ever since.
Since becoming involved in the industry, Park State Bank has evolved into a fully integrated financial solution for cannabis operators. They’ve strengthened compliance protocols, built partnerships with regulators and payment processors, and helped clients gain access to banking tools that fuel growth.
“The most rewarding aspect of working in this industry is, hands down, the people,” Marci says. “There’s a contagious energy here that keeps you motivated, even when the path isn’t easy. You meet innovators, advocates, cultivators, people from all walks of life who share a belief in making something better, not just for business, but for society.”
That spirit is at the core of Park State Bank’s mission. They offer specialized banking solutions for licensed cannabis operators, including business checking, treasury management, cash logistics, and other critical services. Their compliance team is trained on FinCEN guidelines and performs enhanced due diligence to ensure regulatory transparency.
Community Impact
But Park State Bank’s impact goes beyond transactions. Marci and her team actively collaborate with local cannabis associations and advocacy groups, engage in public forums, and monitor legislative developments like the SAFE Banking Act to help shape responsible banking practices.
One of Marci’s proudest moments came when Park State Bank helped a small business owner who was overwhelmed by not just financial challenges, but operational ones too. “We stepped in not just as their bank, but as a true partner,” she explains. “We connected them with trusted vendors, offered guidance on logistics, and supported them every step of the way. It’s about more than banking, it’s about trust.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Park State Bank is committed to expanding its cannabis client base, increasing lending activity, and continuing to innovate in areas like cash logistics and digital payments. They’re also preparing for the future of the industry, including the rise of cannabis beverages, infused products, and the potential for federal legalization, by investing in automation tools and staff education.
Marci’s advice for new leaders entering the industry is straightforward:
“Understand the financial realities. Licensing, compliance, infrastructure, and staffing are big investments and turning a profit might not happen right away. Focus on building a sustainable foundation.”
At the end of the day, Marci believes education-driven trust is what makes all the difference. By keeping both bankers and clients informed, Park State Bank helps build not only stronger businesses but a stronger cannabis community.