A supermajority of Americans supports ending federal restrictions that discourage banks and other financial institutions from servicing licensed cannabis businesses, according to national survey data released today by the American Bankers Association. The polling, provided by Morning Consult, finds that 65 percent of respondents “support allowing cannabis businesses to access banking services (e.g., checking accounts, business loans) in states where cannabis is legal.” Moreover, 68 percent of Americans say that Congress should pass legislation so that marijuana businesses can “access banking services and products in states” where it is legal. Commenting on the polling data, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “Americans understand that no industry can operate safely, transparently, or effectively without access to banks or other financial institutions and it is self-evident that this industry, and those consumers that are served by it, remain severely hampered without this access. It is also clear that the status quo is actively hurting small businesses and creating unnecessary barriers to entry for entrepreneurs from those communities that have been disproportionately impacted by decades of cannabis prohibition.
Nearly 70 Percent of Americans Want Congress to Allow Licensed Cannabis Businesses Access to Banking Services
