Congress
The Racial Justice Case for Legalizing Cannabis Gets a Congressional Hearing
Lawmakers and witnesses argue that done properly, legalization could right some historic wrongs.
Veterans Groups Push the VA: More Cannabis Research, Please.
At a congressional hearing, the VA refused to support any of the four bills under consideration calling for more research and access. But the advocates see an alternative to opioids.
Small Cannabis Businesses Ask Congress for a Hand
Hindered by a lack of access to loans and banking services, owners hope for help from the Small Business Administration.
US House Appropriations Committee Advances Spending Bill with Key Cannabis Protections
The “cannabis industry is here to stay,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.
US House Subcommittee OKs Spending Bill with Key Cannabis Protections
The bill could offer some cannabis banking protections and would allow the District of Columbia to legalize adult use sales.
On Capitol Hill, Cannabis Industry Pushes Social Justice Goals
The National Cannabis Industry Association discussed its social justice goals with some Congress members, and said businesses should take a more active role in equity efforts.
How the Cannabis Industry Hopes to Get The SAFE Banking Act Through Congress
At an industry event, lobbyists and politicians laid out a three-pronged strategy.
Medical Cannabis for Troubled Veterans? A Congressional Subcommittee Takes Up the Complicated Topic
A Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee discussed three cannabis-related bills as part of a range of efforts to prevent service members from committing suicide, and to treat a number of mental and physical conditions.
Why Are Big Insurance Companies Pushing for the SAFE Banking Act?
“We’re doing all we can to help the insurance market for cannabis operations mature," said a spokesperson for the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers.
Which Big Banks Are Thinking About the SAFE Banking Act?
Mainstream banks like Wells Fargo and Citigroup added a cannabis banking measure to their first quarter lobbying report.
2019 Will Be Major for Cannabis in Congress. Who Is Spending to Be Heard?
Cannabis Wire looks at Q1 2019 lobbying disclosure numbers for the major cannabis advocacy and industry groups.
The Murky Part of the STATES Act: Tribal Rights
“It makes tribal sovereignty contingent on state legalization. And that’s not the way tribal sovereignty works.”
Rep. Blumenauer Vows Cannabis Reform To Include Equity
Legislation that diversifies the cannabis industry so it benefits disadvantaged communities is an early flash point in this year’s Congressional legalization debate.
STATES Act Re-emerges In New Congress
Questions abound as to whether the Act’s centrist appeal will be enough for both Republicans and Democrats alike.
The US House Takes a Step Toward Banking Protection For Cannabis Businesses
A committee endorses the SAFE Banking Act, which would provide a “ harbor” for financial institutions.
Q&A: On Cannabis Reform, Tulsi Gabbard Wants to Cut to the Chase
A presidential candidate says ending prohibition is the heart of the matter, and that other reforms, like criminal justice, would follow. She hopes for bipartisan support.
