Former Washington Lawmakers See ‘Steady Increase In Republicans Supporting’ Cannabis Reform
At the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, former Senator Cory Gardner and former Congressman Ed Perlmutter stressed the growing bipartisan support for cannabis legislation in Congress.
According to Gardner, Republican support for cannabis reform has significantly increased, reflecting a broader shift in the party’s stance since the early votes on the issue in the mid-2010s.
“Historically, Democrats have been the main supporters of safer cannabis policies, but that’s changing,” Gardner explained. “From the first votes around 2013 to 2015, we’ve seen a steady increase in Republicans supporting and even carrying cannabis legislation.”
Challenges And Progress In Cannabis Banking
The Safe Banking Act, a crucial piece of legislation for the cannabis industry, has seen multiple introductions in Congress since 2013, primarily championed by Perlmutter. Legislative action has recently accelerated despite early setbacks, including a lack of hearings until 2018. Perlmutter expressed optimism about the Act’s prospects due to growing support from both sides of the aisle.
“It took persistence, but after finally getting a hearing, …