Senate Allows Legalization to Move Forward in DC; Allows Banks Provide Serv to State-Legal Stores
Drug Policy Alliance
Top Story: Senate Allows Legalization to Move Forward in D.C. and Allows Banks to Provide Services to State-Legalized Marijuana Stores
Last November, nearly 72% of D.C. voters approved a ballot measure making it legal to possess and grow marijuana for personal use. But after a political tug-of-war, House Republican leadership pushed
through a controversial spending amendment prohibiting D.C. from regulating marijuana sales. Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment allowing the nation's capital to establish regulated marijuana stores by a vote of 16-14.
By the same vote, the committee also allowed banks to provide services to marijuana stores in localities where marijuana is legal. Because marijuana is illegal under federal law, both medical and non-medical
marijuana businesses are unable to access banking services like any other business. Businesses are forced to operate on a cash-only basis, leading to huge public safety issues. By allowing marijuana stores to have access to checking accounts, credit cards, and other financial services the Merkley amendment improves public safety and oversight.
These amendments still need to be reconciled with the final funding deal expected to be hashed out later this year. Read more...
http://dpa.convio.net/site/R?i=HDW1V9yw8OJoUCwCk4hvXw
