Newbie looking to start a cannabis brand

Hi everyone, I have been a long time lurker on this sub but have never posted. I wanted to start a cannabis brand and partner with a licensed product manufacturing company. Is this legal to do? I would not have a license myself but instead I would be looking to do a brand licensing deal.

I know that out of state brands come into new markets and they do not create a whole new brick and mortar store and get licensed with the state. Does anyone know how these brands are doing this?

Are they paying these manufacturers for the cost of materials? Are they not physically giving the manufacturers payment and they get paid on the back end after the products have been sold?

Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thank you guys and I wish good luck to all of you out there.