420 with CNW — SAFER Banking Bill Clears Panel, Heads to Senate Floor
The Senate Banking Committee advanced a new bill on Sept. 27, 2023, that would grant marijuana businesses access to banking services. The bipartisan measure, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, seeks to provide legal safeguards for financial institutions that choose to offer services to state-regulated cannabis enterprises. Senator Jeff Merkley (D), the bill's lead sponsor, celebrated this progress as a historic event, highlighting the remarkable spirit of cooperation across party lines. He expressed his concerns about the current scenario where legal cannabis businesses are forced to operate solely in cash, terming it an invitation to criminal activities…