Amid a spike in armed robberies at cannabis shops that have resulted in at least three deaths, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) hosted a roundtable on Tuesday during which they discussed solutions at the state and federal levels. Speakers included State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti; Sen. Karen Keiser; Michael Correia, director of government affairs for the National Cannabis Industry Association; and LCB’s Enforcement and Education Division Director Chandra Brady. LCB Chair David Postman moderated the meeting and roundtable. The discussion churned out suggestions for long-term and short-term remedies, as well as a number of calls for the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Act, also known as the SAFE Banking Act, in Congress. The Act, which has strong bipartisan support, has seen more action in Congress than any other cannabis-related legislation, and it has become a frequent talking point alongside discussions about violence and theft at licensed cannabis shops. Many cannabis retailers remain primarily cash businesses because federal prohibition creates hurdles for banks wanting to work directly with cannabis businesses.
Alyson Martin, Cannabis Wire, 03/28/2022 20:00:00