Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has joined 19 other bipartisan governors in urging Congress to pass legislation allowing states with legalized medical or adult-use cannabis to operate safely and under the scrutiny of the national banking system.
In a letter sent to congressional leaders, the governors said they strongly support the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act (H.R. 1595) and (S.1200) or similar legislation that would remove the legal uncertainty for banks and credit unions doing business with cannabis-related businesses, or CRBs.
“We were pleased that the House Financial Services Committee held a subcommittee hearing on cannabis and financial services on February 13, and we were especially encouraged to see that H.R. 1595 passed the full committee on a strong bipartisan basis on March 28. We urge the full House to pass this legislation to help provide banking services to state-licensed cannabis businesses. State and federal governments have a shared interest in upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and transitioning markets out of the shadows and into our transparent and regulated banking system,” the joint letter stated.
Without access to banking services, state-licensed cannabis businesses operate predominantly on a cash basis. This poses a significant public safety risk to customers and employees. In addition, because banking services are barred, these businesses are unable to write checks, make and receive electronic payments, utilize a payroll provider, or accept credit and debit cards.
According to the governors, the cash-only environment puts an additional burden on state and local government agencies that must collect tax and fee payments, in person and in cash, incurring additional public expenses and employee safety risks.
Currently, 34 U.S. states, three U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Additionally, ten states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use by adults over 21 years of age.
“Despite legalization of cannabis at the state-level in many cases to provide medical treatment, our financial institutions face enormous barriers, legal risks, and criminal and civil liability under the Controlled Substances Act that prevent them from providing banking services to state-licensed businesses. As a result, very few banks and credit unions will provide these services, leaving many businesses in this sector unbanked. Many of our states have implemented laws and regulations that ensure accountability of the cannabis industry. However, without banking services, cannabis businesses are less able to obey the law, pay taxes, and follow these important regulations,” the letter stated.
Aside from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, the bipartisan group of signatories also includes the governors of Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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