Congress

Congress

First SAFE Banking Act Hearing in New Congress Sets Foundation for Cannabis Banking Debate

The cannabis banking bill has cleared the House seven times. Will 2023 be the year it clears the Senate, too?

Congress

With More Than a Dozen Bills in Play, Congressional Cannabis Priorities Take Shape

After a slow start, the new Congress has picked up the pace on the introduction – and reintroduction – of its cannabis proposals, including the highly-anticipated SAFE Banking Act.

Congress

SAFE Banking Act Negotiations Kick Off in the New Congress

A slightly revised SAFE Banking Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate and House on Wednesday, and, already, the feedback is rolling in.

Business, Congress

At National Banking Summit, Cannabis Banking Gets A Moment Back in the Spotlight

After a narrow miss at the end of 2022, lawmakers and advocates pushing for the SAFE Banking Act are piecing together their strategy for the new Congress.

Congress

Senate Veterans’ Committee Advances Cannabis Research Bill 

This is the first cannabis bill to advance in the new Congress, and the first ever cannabis bill to pass out of a Senate committee.

Congress

Third Congress in a Row Isn’t a Charm for SAFE Banking Act

The SAFE Banking Act was defined by compromise this year. Even with an unprecedented amount between members of Congress, it wasn’t enough.

Congress

Missed Moments: How Congress Almost Decriminalized Cannabis

President Biden’s reforms are significant, but they highlight other leaders’ fumbled opportunities to change course through the decades.

Congress

Historic: President Joe Biden Signs Cannabis Research Bill 

It’s the first standalone cannabis bill to be signed into law since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

Congress

“The Dam is Starting to Break:” Cannabis Research Bill Headed to Biden’s Desk Is a First

The bipartisan bill, albeit incremental, would start to streamline cannabis research and is also symbolic of the momentum toward cannabis reform in Congress.

Congress

Cannabis Returns to Congress with House Hearing on State, Federal Reforms

The hearing focused on the “many benefits” of cannabis decriminalization at the federal level, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and banking access, among other issues.

Congress

Unlikely Allies: Major Coalitions Unite to Brief Hill Staffers on Cannabis Policy Priorities

The Marijuana Justice Coalition and the Cannabis Freedom Alliance have come together to present a united front post-election.

Congress

House Subcommittee Hearing on “Bipartisan Cannabis Reforms at the Federal Level” Scheduled for Next Week

The Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hybrid hearing will focus on both state and federal cannabis reforms.

Congress

Will the Next Farm Bill Boost the US Hemp Industry?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, catalyzing a nascent industry – and creating plenty of confusion. A hearing in Congress today highlighted priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

Congress

Push for Cannabis Banking Pitched as Easier Step Amid Broader Reform Debate

Lawmakers and industry stakeholders held a briefing on Wednesday to make the case that banking reform is an urgent matter of public safety, not just an industry win.

Congress

Cannabis Decrim Hearing in Congress Highlights CAOA Feedback, Divisions

Last week, Sen. Cory Booker, who led the hearing, introduced a comprehensive cannabis legalization bill in Congress with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Ron Wyden.

Congress

It’s Here: the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act Will be Introduced in Congress

The Act, sponsored by Sens. Schumer, Booker, and Wyden, went through extensive revisions in response to 1,800 comments on the discussion draft released last July.