SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Jan. 16 that he has joined a bipartisan coalition of 18 attorneys general to urge Congress to advance cannabis industry banking legislation.
The coalition seeks legislation that will allow the cannabis industry to participate in the banking system of states that have legalized medical or adult use of cannabis.
“California voters have made it clear: when it comes to the cannabis industry, California is moving forward, not backward," Becerra said.
Becerra noted the issue affects states that vote primarily Democratic as well as states that vote primarily Republican.
“This is an issue that is impacting both red and blue states,” Becerra said. “The future of small and local licensed businesses has been clouded by the Trump administration's relentless attacks on progress, in conflict with the will of voters. Congress has the power to protect a growing $6.7 billion industry and the public safety of our communities.
"My team at the Department of Justice is committed to implementing and enforcing the law in California in a way that most effectively protects the health and safety of our people.”