Supporters of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act discussed the urgency of passing cannabis reform at this recent sessionand reiterated the public safety need to allow the industry access to the financial system.
Bipartisan and bicameral supporters of banking reform said “it’s time to take action against the standalone legislation passed by the House of Representatives.” reported marijuana moment.
That National Association of the Cannabis Industry (NCIA) brought together more than 100 interest groups for two days of lobbying Capitol Hill includes more than 100 meetings with lawmakers and staffers to advocate for the Cannabis Act Banking SAFE is scheduled to come into force in 2022.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, spoke about violent crimes targeting marijuana businesses and workers, as well as bipartisan support for stand-alone legislation. “It’s politically positive. It’s good politics and good policy,” Merkley said. “That’s why we’re here today, to say it’s long past time to finalize the SAFE banking bill.”
Recently, at the Payments, Banking, and Compliance (PBC) Conference, Merkley discussed the so-called “SAFE Banking Plus” bill. “Every legit business deserves the same access to the same resources as everyone else — resources like bank accounts, credit, payment processing, and more.” Merkley said separately in a press release. “When it comes to cannabis, the country is changing fast and it’s about time our federal laws caught up.”
A public safety issue
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) said SAFE Banking Bill “is obviously a public safety issue. It’s a tax issue. It’s a matter of civil justice (…) We can work it out. We will take care of this. We need more Republican co-sponsors,” who the congressman expects to join soon.
“I know in the House of Representatives that whatever they pass in the Senate, we will get through in the House of Representatives. And that will be law by the end of this year, with your help and your hard work.” Mother of pearl added.
Senator Steve…
