USCC Responds to Latest Developments on NDAA and Cannabis Reform

December 7, 2021

Steven Hawkins, CEO of US Cannabis Council, released the following statement:

"We are disappointed that cannabis reform was among a number of important provisions in the House-approved National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that were not included in the latest version of the bill. However, we are heartened by the broad, bipartisan support for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act and remain committed to advancing the legislation in this Congress.

"We see the consequences every day of the lack of banking access, from the rash of dispensary robberies to the ongoing challenges of minority and small business owners to secure capital. The SAFE Banking Act would provide urgently needed relief to cannabis businesses of all sizes and put wind in the sails of the broader push to end federal cannabis prohibition.

"We are grateful to the sponsors of the SAFE Banking Act, as well as those who reached out to Congress to support it, including governors, business leaders and advocates across the country. We fully support Rep. Perlmutter’s efforts to add SAFE Banking back to the NDAA in the Rules Committee and urge lawmakers to take every effort to pass this important measure."