Huge Week In Washington

With all the commotion in D.C. this week around the start of impeachment hearings, you’re forgiven if you didn’t see the OTHER huge news out of Washington, D.C. this week.

The U. S. House of Representatives passed the SAFE Banking Act, a bill that if it becomes law, will allow legal marijuana businesses access to the banking system. The bill now moves on to the Senate, where it faces a less certain fate.

For sure, this is a historic win for the cannabis industry! Additionally the bipartisan nature of the overwhelming margain of victory, with 91 Republicans joining all but one Dem, sent a rare signal of legislative cooperation in a time – and week – of bitter partisanship.

There’s no denying this is yet another win for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), perhaps the pre-eminent voice of the cannabis industry.

“This is a sign the time has come for comprehensive cannabis reform,” said Morgan Fox, a spokesman for the NCIA. “The fact that we got almost half the Republicans is a huge sign we’re moving in the right direction toward sensible policies.”

The next step is clear. The cannabis industry needs to contact the U.S. Senate in general, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in particular. And there is reason for hope in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Last week the senior Senator from Kentucky “pressured” the FDA to go easy on hemp-derived CBD. Admittedly a small step. But small steps are how we lead the loyal opposition down the path.

If you or anyone you know lives in Kentucky, call the Senator and tell him cannabis is nothing to fear. In fact, it’s medicinal!