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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.