WASHINGTON — Cannabis reform is moving one step closer to reality at the federal level, with a committee hearing on a bipartisan bill to expand banking services for legal marijuana businesses expected to take place at the end of the month, according to multiple people directly involved in the process.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., was expected to formally endorse the legislation earlier this week, but ultimately did not take the step after facing backlash from law enforcement officials and other conservative groups back home, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking.
An updated version of the SAFE Banking Act was introduced by an unlikely duo this year: progressive Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Daines, the chairman of Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, both of whom represent states where cannabis is legal medically and recreationally.
Lawmakers involved in crafting the legislation worked through the congressional recess last month to resolve any concerns that could prevent the bill from getting across the finish line.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., among other Democrats, has stressed the importance of including equity provisions for minority and women-run businesses, as well as criminal justice reform components.
Ahead of his re-election campaign, President Joe Biden announced his intent to pardon federal convictions for simple marijuana possession offenses at the end of last year.
The original article contains 1,167 words, the summary contains 215 words. Saved 82%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
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WASHINGTON — Cannabis reform is moving one step closer to reality at the federal level, with a committee hearing on a bipartisan bill to expand banking services for legal marijuana businesses expected to take place at the end of the month, according to multiple people directly involved in the process.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., was expected to formally endorse the legislation earlier this week, but ultimately did not take the step after facing backlash from law enforcement officials and other conservative groups back home, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking.
An updated version of the SAFE Banking Act was introduced by an unlikely duo this year: progressive Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Daines, the chairman of Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, both of whom represent states where cannabis is legal medically and recreationally.
Lawmakers involved in crafting the legislation worked through the congressional recess last month to resolve any concerns that could prevent the bill from getting across the finish line.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., among other Democrats, has stressed the importance of including equity provisions for minority and women-run businesses, as well as criminal justice reform components.
Ahead of his re-election campaign, President Joe Biden announced his intent to pardon federal convictions for simple marijuana possession offenses at the end of last year.
The original article contains 1,167 words, the summary contains 215 words. Saved 82%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!