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.
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.
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.
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.
Senators Push Biden Again on Cannabis Pardons and Decriminalization
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren spearheaded a letter from lawmakers calling out the Biden administration’s “failure” on cannabis policy reform.
A Powerful “Third Voice” Cannonballs into the Cannabis Reform Debates
On both the state and federal levels, the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity is making its business-friendly case.
Cannabis on Tribal Lands: Congress Hears Hopes and Concerns
A wide range of issues emerged during a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing on Friday, including concerns about state or federal interference, and transportation over state lines.
Cannabis MSOs’ Congressional Candidate of Choice? Rep. Nancy Mace.
Leaders of some of the highest-valued cannabis companies in the country are putting more money toward the South Carolina Republican than any other candidate.
Cannabis Research Bills Advance in Congress
The House and Senate have both passed proposals to expand cannabis research – with key differences – just as they did in late 2020. Will one land on President Joe Biden's desk?
Federal Cannabis Legalization Bill Again Sails Through the House
The MORE Act, which would remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances, passed out of the House in 2020, and is expected to again stall in the Senate.
Washington State Regulators and Lawmakers Push Cannabis Banking Amid Violent Dispensary Robberies
A roundtable that included the state treasurer and lawmakers highlighted the urgent need for solutions, from the SAFE Banking Act to workplace training and increased security.
As SAFE Banking Again Awaits Fate in Senate, Schumer Pushes More Comprehensive Reform
In D.C. on Friday, the House passed cannabis banking legislation for the sixth time. Meanwhile, Sen. Maj. Leader Chuck Schumer held a press conference in New York City to tout more comprehensive federal reform.
U.S. Rep. Perlmutter Resurrects SAFE Banking in America COMPETES Act
Perlmutter’s latest push on cannabis banking comes after SAFE Banking language was scrapped from the National Defense Authorization Act in December.
In 2021, Congress Did Nothing–and Everything–About Cannabis Reform. Now What?
Nothing made it even close to the president’s desk, but the conversation changed, and forces are gathering for a complex debate about legalization’s priorities.
SAFE Banking Scrapped from NDAA Despite Major Push
Banking groups and lawmakers rallied behind legislation to allow banks to more freely work with cannabis businesses. Ultimately, it was stripped.
Big On Biz, Light On Equity: The Koch-Endorsed, GOP Cannabis Legalization Bill is Here
Rep. Nancy Mace has released the most comprehensive cannabis legalization plan to emerge from the Republican party, a counter to the Schumer, Booker, Wyden vision.
