18 State Attorneys General Urge Congress to Pass Legislation That Allows Cannabis Businesses to Use Banks

$100 money buds

[Photo by Kym Kemp]

Press release from the Office of the California Attorney General:

Attorney General Xavier Becerra today joined a bipartisan group of 18 state attorneys general in urging Congress to advance legislation that will enable the cannabis industry to participate in the banking system in states that have legalized medicinal or adult use of cannabis. The recent decision by the Trump Department of Justice to rescind prior federal guidance rolled back critical protections for the legal cannabis industry.

“California voters have made it clear: when it comes to the cannabis industry, California is moving forward, not backwards,” said Attorney General Becerra. “This is an issue that is impacting both red and blue states. The future of small and local licensed businesses has been clouded by the Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on progress, in conflict with the will of voters. Congress has the power to protect a growing $6.7 billion industry and the public safety of our communities. My team at the Department of Justice is committed to implementing and enforcing the law in California in a way that most effectively protects the health and safety of our people.”

California, along with 28 other states and several U.S. territories, has legalized the medical use of cannabis. However, under the Controlled Substance Act and certain federal banking statutes, banks providing services to state-licensed cannabis businesses can be subject to criminal and civil liability, as the federal government classifies cannabis as an illegal substance. Accordingly, financial institutions are reluctant to provide services to cannabis businesses operating legally within their state jurisdiction. Forced to operate on a cash basis, cannabis businesses are left vulnerable to criminal targeting. Additionally, law enforcement is less able to track potential financial crimes, and it is more difficult for businesses to pay—and for the state to collect—tax deposits.

In their letter, the Attorneys General note that the enactment of legislation such as the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act would not only bring billions of dollars into the banking sector, but would also give law enforcement greater ability to monitor transactions. Moreover, compliance with tax requirements would be simpler and easier to enforce with a better-defined tracking of funds. This would, in turn, result in higher tax revenue.

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It's a Farce
Guest
It's a Farce
6 years ago

Relaxing of federal laws will help the largest corporate entities to solidify their control. A few smaller companies are always held up to the media as poster children but make no mistake- they will be gobbled up by the bigger fish as soon as the law is relaxed. Both parties are beholden to the rich and powerful corporate raiders who now will take over and drive every small family cannabis business into bankruptcy. The game is rigged, the stage is set and now we watch the pieces fall. New Jersey will “legalize” in a Colorado model. Let’s seeee how the loss of the greater New York market will affect Humboldt? The crash can be heard….coming closer….closer! It is almost here…please take care of yourself and stop with the fantasies.

Veteran's Friend
Guest
Veteran's Friend
6 years ago
Reply to  It's a Farce

😊🖐😳

hmm
Guest
hmm
6 years ago

Regulatory capture by the wealthy has already happened. They were able to eliminate the size limits on cannabis farms. Beginning of the end.

Shawn Cherry
Guest
Shawn Cherry
6 years ago

Moonshine time!!

THC
Guest
THC
6 years ago
Reply to  Shawn Cherry

Unfortunately, these days it’s cheaper to buy liquor at the store then it is to make it yourself. unless of course you have a corn farm a good source of barley some sugar cane and a processing plant.

I suspect an uptick in cheap meth, shitty cut crack and designer drugs like bath salts and anything else you can Huff to get high on.

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  THC

Naw. I still can buy a Jug O shine for 40 bucks right here in so hum. Support your local “Mountain Dew” man

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  THC

Hmmm Jenkem You say🤔 ok looked it up. That’s some ducked up shit!! Yes…pun

LabeledaNazi
Guest
LabeledaNazi
6 years ago
Reply to  Shawn Cherry

Working with cash is bad says the corporate monger who steps on you with “numbers”.

Fidlin the ganjo
Guest
Fidlin the ganjo
6 years ago

Sessions said no! No bank for you!

Hmmmmm!
Guest
Hmmmmm!
6 years ago

Sounded reasonable to me!

[edit: (I have to think of “Den” (John Candy) from “Heavy Metal” when I say that)]

Hmmm
Guest
Hmmm
6 years ago

Good luck dipshits

This county is full of dumbasses like one could not believe. Money disease warps ones thinking.
Bring Jefferson sessions in.

Anyman
Guest
Anyman
6 years ago

Looking forward to the day when it’s as legal, as available, and as socially acceptable as a tomatoe.