Transparent, underwritten, and appropriately coded cannabis transactions will foster a safer payments ecosystem for all.
Shield Compliance (www.shieldbanking.com), a leading compliance platform for cannabis banking, released an Open Letter calling for the nation’s leading card brands, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and others, to reverse their policies of prohibiting financial institutions to offer payments services connected to their networks to licensed cannabis merchants.
It’s Time for Card Brands to Allow Cannabis Payments. Sign the letter at www.fairbankingnow.com
The lack of access to debit and credit card payments is a significant hurdle obstructing the cannabis industry’s path to full legitimacy and has led many licensed businesses to find workarounds that mask otherwise legal transactions with the intention of confusing payment networks, processors, and acquiring and issuing banks. Not only does this restrict law enforcement’s ability to crack down on illegal operators and curtail the illicit market, but it also makes it difficult for card brands to identify illegal operators and creates confusion and additional costs for consumers.
“Banks and credit unions have demonstrated for nearly a decade that they can serve this industry without negative consequences by complying with FinCEN’s guidance on marijuana banking, and we believe the card brands can do the same,” said Tony Repanich, President and CEO of Shield Compliance. “Embracing cannabis payments aligns with the evolving landscape of legality and consumer demand and will foster a safer and more accessible payments ecosystem for all.”
“The progress Shield Compliance has made in helping financial institutions expand access to banking is improving safety across the industry while streamlining compliance and mitigating risk,” said Michael Beird, Founding Partner of the American Cannabis Bankers Association (ACBA). “Building trust and cooperation between the financial services community and the cannabis sector is a primary goal of the ACBA and is why we are working with Shield to address the payments challenge.”
A $71 Billion Industry with Strong Public Support The legal cannabis industry has experienced a significant transformation in the last decade. Today, 23 states have legalized adult-use cannabis, with 38 states and the District of Columbia allowing the medical use of cannabis products. There is also a steady rise in public support, with 68% of adults saying marijuana should be legal.
To sign the Open Letter and voice support for improving access to financial services in the legal cannabis industry, please visit www.fairbankingnow.com.
About Shield Compliance Shield Compliance transforms how financial institutions serve the legal cannabis market. Its purpose-built BSA/AML compliance management software solution sits behind the financial institution to simplify compliance, automate processes across multiple data sources, create efficiencies, unlock new revenue, and scale operations. With real-time monitoring and comprehensive reporting capabilities, Shield Compliance sets the standard for compliance excellence in cannabis banking. For more information, visit shieldbanking.com or contact info@shieldbanking.com.
Cal NORML / ASA Lobby Day Coming to Sacramento on Monday, May 8
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 10, 2023
CONTACT: Ellen Komp, Deputy Director, Cal NORML 510-725-7084
Cal NORML / ASA Lobby Day Coming to Sacramento on Monday, May 8
All Californians are invited to attend the California NORML/Americans for Safe Access Citizen Lobby Day on Monday, May 8 in Sacramento. The event will bring supporters from across the state to meet with their state representatives and make our voices heard on pending legislation affecting the rights of cannabis consumers in California.
Past lobby days have helped bring about reforms such as employment rights for cannabis consumers, medical rights for organ transplant and pain patients who use medical cannabis, and cannabis tax reform, among other ongoing issues.
Lobby Day attendees will meet in the morning at the Capitol Event Center, where they will learn about pending bills and get lobbying tips. In the afternoon, participants will meet with lawmakers or their staffers. The day will end with an afterparty and reception on the patio at Cafeteria 15L.
Some of the bills on which we expect to be lobbying are:
SB 302 (Stern) would extend Ryan’s Law by requiring health-care facilities to allow (non-inhaled) use of medical cannabis by all patients with chronic diseases, instead of just terminal illnesses.
AB 374 (Haney) and SB 285 (Allen), would allow the sale of fresh food and beverages at consumption rooms. The Haney bill would also let them host paid entertainment and events.
SB 512 (Bradford), would end double taxation of cannabis by excluding excise and local taxes from the sales tax.
SB 51 (Bradford)would allow the extension of provisional licenses for equity applicants for up to five years, and to continue issuing equity provisional retail licenses indefinitely.
AB 1094 (Wicks) would prohibit drug and alcohol testing of pregnant or perinatal women by medical or social workers without informed consent.
AB 1917 (Bonta)and SB 508 (Laird), would cut burdensome CEQA regulations that are delaying cannabis licensing, in particular the critical and timely transition from temporary to permanent licenses.
AB 1111 (Pellerin)would enable small licensed cannabis producers to vend their products at a limited number of licensed, locally approved cannabis events annually.
SB 540 (Laird – SUPPORT)would create an informational brochure to educate new users on cannabis risks and effects.
AB 1207 (Irwin – OPPOSE) would broadly restrict labeling of fruit flavors and ban coloring in edibles.
Founded in 1972, California NORML is a nonprofit member-supported organization that advocates for the rights of cannabis consumers in California. Join Cal NORML and help fight for our rights!
# # #
Cal NORML to Celebrate 50th Anniversary on 11/12 in San Francisco
Cal NORML to Celebrate 50th Anniversary on 11/12in San Francisco Event Will Commemorate 1972’s CMI Legalization Initiative
The public and press are invited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of California NORML and commemorate the 1972 California Marijuana Initiative, the country’s first cannabis legalization ballot measure, on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 1-5 PM at Meadow, 60 13th St. in San Francisco.
The event is sponsored by Meadow, the top-rated software solution for cannabis dispensaries, and by PAX, a global cannabis brand headquartered in San Francisco.
“Cal NORML has been at the center of legalization efforts in California for five decades,” said David Hua, CEO and Co-Founder of Meadow. “At Meadow, we have always looked for ways to support the collective effort of pushing cannabis legalization forward, and we’re proud to be part of this event in the spirit of continuing to build community while honoring the history and future potential of the cannabis plant.”
“Supporting this historic event and California NORML is part of PAX’s strong commitment to Social Reform, Sustainability, and Safe Access in cannabis,” said Laura Fogelman, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at PAX. “This team has been at the forefront of the movement for more than 50 years, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate not only this milestone, but the outsized impact they’ve had on our communities along the way.”
Cal NORML, the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, sprung from the organization Amorphia, which financed CMI with sales of rolling papers. Although the measure did not pass, it lead to the decriminalization of marijuana possession in California (the 1975 Moscone Act), and ultimately to greater reforms in California, the US, and the world.
Leaders from the CMI initiative will share their reminiscences, live or via Zoom. Among them will be:
Keith Stroup – NORML’s Founder and Legal Counsel
Gordon Brownell – Cal NORML’s original director
Michelle & Michael Aldrich – Amorphia co-founders
John Sinclair – Michigan-based activist about whom John Lennon wrote a song when he was jailed for possessing two joints
Ed Rosenthal – cannabis cultivation expert and activist; aka “Ask Ed”
Bruce Margolin – LA NORML director
The event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cal NORML, which has advocated for the rights of cannabis consumers in California since 1972. Cal NORML was instrumental in the passage of Prop. 215 (1996), the country’s first medical marijuana law, and this year two Cal NORML sponsored bills were signed into law: AB 2188 to protect the employment rights of cannabis users, and AB 1954 to protect pain patients’ rights to medication. The organization has recently published a voter’s guide to the November 8 California election.
Food and drinks will be served, a memorabilia action will be held, and live music will be heard. Attendees are invited to Dress Like It’s 1972 (optional, but fun).
Suggested donation is $50. Buy tickets. Proceeds will benefit Cal NORML’s continued advocacy for cannabis consumers’ rights in California.
AGENDA:
Doors open: 1 PM
Program: 1:30 – 2:30 PM The 1972 California Marijuana Initiative – A Groundbreaking Moment for Marijuana Reform
Auction and Live Music: 2:30 – 4 PM
The press is invited to attend. RSVP to ellen@canorml.org. You can also contact us for graphics to include in stories.
Big Win for Cannabis Technology and Manufacturing Companies
Eteros Wins Court Case In Favor Of Excluding “Marijuana-Related Drug Paraphernalia” Pursuant to the Authorization Exemption of the Controlled Substances Act
Las Vegas, NV, September 21, 2022 — Eteros Technologies USA, Inc., the industry leader in post-harvest cannabis automation equipment, announced the success of its court case regarding the authorization exemption of 21 U.S.C. Section 863(f)(1) of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This was a case of first impression never before decided by a Federal or State court. It sets an important precedent for international trade in cannabis paraphernalia, recognizing that States’ authorization of persons to manufacture, distribute or possess cannabis paraphernalia triggers the “authorization exemption” which allows the importation of such products into the United States. The decision effectively instructs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to permit the importation of cannabis paraphernalia into states that have legalized the manufacture, distribution, and possession of such items. With the cannabis market estimated at $38.8B in 2023 and multi-state operators’ capital expenditures representing up to 30% of revenue, this decision could impact billions of dollars of cannabis equipment imports annually.
Eterostraces its roots back to Surrey, British Columbia when in 2016, founder Aaron McKellar and a core group of engineers from diverse backgrounds and a passion for innovation and “divergent thinking” began manufacturing equipment for Canada’s newly legalized cannabis industry. In 2019, Eteros, the parent company of the Mobius and Triminator brands, expanded sales from Canada into the US to help support farmers growing now federal-legal hemp and the growing market of state-legal cannabis.
In April 2021, Eteros attempted to import sub-assembly components used to manufacture the Mobius M108S cannabis trimming machine into the Port of Blaine, Washington. On inspection, CBP deemed the parts prohibited “drug paraphernalia,” citing the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Eteros engaged counsel who challenged CBP’s determination by arguing that Washington State’s legalization of cannabis and related paraphernalia triggers the authorization exemption, serving to exclude importations of cannabis paraphernalia from the federal prohibition. The federal authorization exemption states that Section 863 shall not apply to “any person authorized by local, State, or Federal law to manufacture, possess, or distribute such items[.]” CBP ultimately disagreed with Eteros’ legal arguments and Eteros filed an action in the U.S. Court of International Trade to get a definitive court ruling on the meaning of the authorization exemption of Section 863(f)(1).
After months of litigation, CIT Judge Gary S. Katzmann ruled in favor of Eteros, confirming that state law authorizing the manufacture, possession, and distribution of cannabis harvesting equipment (and other cannabis-related paraphernalia) exempts Eteros from the prohibition against importing such merchandise into the United States, at least insofar as the goods are imported into a State like Washington which authorizes manufacture, possession, and distribution of cannabis-related paraphernalia.
“The Court’s decision today is a huge win for the cannabis industry. States’ authorization of persons to manufacture, possess, and/or distribute marijuana-related drug paraphernalia serves to trigger the federal authorization exemption, therefore exempting cannabis-related paraphernalia from the import prohibitions which prevent the importation of all other forms of drug paraphernalia,” said Eteros Technologies’ legal counsel, Richard O’Neill, of Neville Peterson LLP.
“NCIA commends Eteros for challenging the Customs and Border Patrol on this important issue and bringing about this win for the legal cannabis industry. Legitimate businesses all over the world are serving the legal cannabis industry, which generates hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs. Hopefully, this decision will ensure that these law-abiding businesses will no longer face unfair impediments to importation or exportation of legal products across our borders”, said Aaron Smith, Co-founder, and CEO of The National Cannabis Industry Association.
The ruling comes during a pivotal time in the agricultural evolution of the cannabis industry. Cannabis cultivators are increasingly automating their post-harvest workflow and rely on equipment from innovators like Mobius and Triminator to keep pace with ever-evolving cannabis markets.
“The Court’s decision today is a huge win for the cannabis industry. States’ authorization of persons to manufacture, possess, and/or distribute marijuana-related drug paraphernalia serves to trigger the federal authorization exemption, therefore exempting cannabis-related paraphernalia from the import prohibitions which prevent the importation of all other forms of drug paraphernalia,” said Eteros Technologies’ legal counsel, Richard O’Neill, of Neville Peterson LLP.
“NCIA commends Eteros for challenging the Customs and Border Patrol on this important issue and bringing about this win for the legal cannabis industry. Legitimate businesses all over the world are serving the legal cannabis industry, which generates hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs. Hopefully, this decision will ensure that these law-abiding businesses will no longer face unfair impediments to importation or exportation of legal products across our borders”, said Aaron Smith, Co-founder, and CEO of The National Cannabis Industry Association.
The ruling comes during a pivotal time in the agricultural evolution of the cannabis industry. Cannabis cultivators are increasingly automating their post-harvest workflow and rely on equipment from innovators like Mobius and Triminator to keep pace with ever-evolving cannabis markets.
Cal NORML Hosts Webinar on Leading Issues in California Cannabis Law and Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2022 Contact: Ellen Komp, Deputy Director, CA NORML ellen@canorml.org, 510-725-7084
Cal NORML Hosts Webinar on Leading Issues in California Cannabis Law and Policy
California NORML is excited to host an informative webinar, Leading Issues in California Cannabis Law and Policy this August 25th from 4 to 5:30 pm PDT.
Cannabis attorneys, professionals, and consumers in California will benefit from updates and commentary provided by Cal NORML board members and cannabis policy experts Lauren Mendelsohn, Esq. and Hirsh Jain, Esq. Attorneys who attend the webinar will earn 1.5 CLE credits (pending).
Presentation and discussion topics will include
Tax reform efforts at the state and local level
The expansion of retail licensing across the state
The impact of the provisional license deadline / CEQA compliance
Growth in California’s illicit market
The impact of new DCC regulations
Tickets are $25 for non-attorneys, $50 for members of Cal NORML’s legal committee, and $75 for non-member attorneys. Proceeds will go to support Cal NORML’s efforts to promote cannabis access and protect the rights of cannabis consumers in California. Scholarships are available for students and others. Contact ellen@canorml.org for more information.
“This webinar is intended to be relevant to lawyers and non-lawyers alike. The discussion will examine how evolving regulatory dynamics at the state and local level in California will impact the strategic decisions that operators make, as they seek to expand and reach profitability in California’s hyper-competitive cannabis market. The webinar will focus on the relationship between policy, regulation and business strategy for operators across the cannabis supply chain in California. Additionally, key issues related to consumer rights, patient rights, and social justice will be explored.” says Jain.
California NORML 2261 Market St. #278 A, San Francisco CA 94114 415-563-5858 • www.CaNORML.org
Founded in 1972, California NORML, the state chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, advocates for the rights of cannabis consumers in California. The organization has a Legal Committee and regularly sponsors seminars to inform lawyers and the public about California cannabis laws.
# # #
Cookies and WebberWild Join Forces to Launch Cookies U
A purpose-driven partnership to fund opportunities aimed at achieving an equitable cannabis industry
HUMBOLDT, Calif., May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Cookies’ Social Impact Program, an initiative by international cannabis brand COOKIES dedicated to creating a more equitable and accessible cannabis industry, and WebberWild Impact Foundation “WebberWild,” a non-profit organization that funds education and training for persons of color pursuing careers in the cannabis sector, announced today the formation of a purpose-driven partnership to provide resources and create opportunities within the cannabis industry that empower communities and people who have been marginalized.
Initially, the partners will leverage their shared resources to establish Cookies U, a high-impact, hands-on educational experience being launched in Humboldt County that will become the model for subsequent campuses across the country. Cookies U will recruit students from communities impacted by the War on Drugs and provide a three-month long intensive and comprehensive educational curriculum to prepare them for a sustainable career in the cannabis industry. Tuition and housing will be covered through the partnership, and eligible students can receive additional coverage for lost wages, daycare expenses, and other necessities that may otherwise make participation in the program inaccessible.
“Knowledge and hands on experience are priceless. I wouldn’t be here today, in the position I’m in, if it wasn’t for the 20 years of hands on experience,” said Berner, Founder and CEO of Cookies. “I started as a budtender and worked my way up. Cookies U will provide people from groups that have been marginalized with the opportunity to learn the Business from A-to-Z. It feels good to be in a position to share this knowledge, passion, and love for the industry with people. I truly believe this is one area that has been missing for Social Equity in cannabis.”
“Not only have minorities been excessively punished and incarcerated for cannabis while others profited, but they have had unequal access to education, which perpetuates cycles of low-pay and unemployment. It is crucial that we allow those who have been impacted by the Drug War and racism to participate and benefit from the cannabis industry,” said Chris Webber, entrepreneur, five-time NBA All-Star, 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame, and Co-Founder of WebberWild. “Working with Berner and Cookies allows us to diversify representation within the cannabis industry and provide people from these communities with the tools they need for long-term success.”
Cookies U participants will be priority hires for Cookies and also all of Cookies’ partners (if they so choose) across the supply chain, including retail, cultivation, extraction and distillation, marketing and corporate finance. In addition to Cookies U, the partners will pursue other opportunities central to the mission of tearing down inequalities and creating a more accessible industry, such as community outreach, government relations, and engaging with other curriculum partners.
Students interested in applying for Cookies U can fill out a form online anytime from May 20-June 3 at https://www.impact.cookies.co/cookies-campus on the Cookies’ Social Impact Program website. Applicants must be California residents in order to apply.
About Cookies Social Impact Program Cookies is a cannabis brand formed by a shared vision: bringing communities together for positive impact. Cookies’ Social Impact Program is comprehensive. Their mission is to target issues crucial to creating a more equitable and accessible industry. To accomplish this goal, they support social equity initiatives through public outreach, education, and reinvestment in communities negatively impacted by the War on Drugs. They partner with local organizations already making positive impacts, helping to restore the livelihood of families and individuals while providing opportunities to advance careers.
About WebberWild The WebberWild Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on training and education for persons of color pursuing careers in the cannabis sector. The foundation is affiliated with the Webber Wild Impact Fund, LP that invests in companies led by entrepreneurs of color pursuing careers in the cannabis sector and provides them with an ecosystem of business resources that will facilitate research and development (R&D), cultivation, retail licensing, distribution, branding and marketing. The fund was co-founded by five-time NBA All-Star and 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Chris Webber and Jason Wild, Founder and CEO of JW Asset Management.
San Francisco, CA – October 21, 2019 – Fox Rothschild LLP invites California-based cannabis business owners and operators to the firm’s Cannabis Law Forum in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
Businesses in this exciting, emerging area face unique issues – especially while the consumption of marijuana remains prohibited at the federal level.
Fox Cannabis Law Practice Co-Chairs William Bogot and Joshua Horn and Partner Melissa T. Sanders will team up with industry leaders and innovators to offer insight on some of the most pressing issues in the cannabis business, including complex regulations, tax issues, banking hassles and more.
Fox’s nationwide Cannabis Law Practice, comprised of more than 50 attorneys skilled in various legal disciplines, counsels growers, distributors, processors, investors and others, including suppliers of ancillary products and services, in corporate, regulatory, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and tax matters.
The event will be held at the 111 Minna Gallery. For additional information and registration, visit Fox Cannabis Law Forum.
About Fox Rothschild LLP Fox Rothschild LLP (www.foxrothschild.com) is a full-service law firm built to serve businesses of all sizes as well as individuals. Over the past 100 years, we have grown to 950 lawyers nationwide. Clients come to Fox because we understand their issues, their priorities and the way they think. At Fox, we care about your success as much as you do.
* Please be mindful that possessing, using, distributing and/or selling marijuana is a federal crime, and no legal advice we give is intended to provide any guidance or assistance in violating federal law nor will it provide any guidance or assistance in complying with federal law. Please also note that we are not advising you regarding the federal, state or local tax consequences of engaging in any business in this industry.
Cova Launches New Campaign to Update the Cannabis Industry Lexicon
The “Call it Cannabis” campaign urges industry professionals to help further legitimize cannabis by adopting new industry language.
NEW YORK, May 31, 2018 – Cannabis retail point of sale software company, Cova launched a new campaign at the Cannabis World Congress Business & Expo (CWCBE) today. The social media initiative, entitled “Call it Cannabis” urges industry professionals to revise its language as the industry advances. The industry is moving into the mainstream at a rapid pace, and there’s no sign of slowing down. With an estimated 1,000 words for cannabis, Cova believes the time to discuss the power of language is now.
The goal of the “Call it Cannabis” campaign is to spark a dialogue about terminology and how it can further break the negative stigma. “As a cannabis retail technology company, our primary goal has been to legitimize the industry by addressing compliance on the retail level,” said Cova CEO Gary Cohen. “We are committed to continuing the work that will help us transform from the gray market to the legal market, and this new campaign is just another step in the right direction.”
The “Call it Cannabis” campaign launched at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. One week after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio instructed NYPD officers to stop making arrests for public cannabis consumption. The recent advances in the Empire State prove cannabis has come a long way. However, roadblocks remain. “The negative cannabis stigma, reinforced by terms like: reefer, pot, weed and grass – is still around, and has impeded the growth of the industry,” continued Cohen. “We think further breaking the stigma by revising the way we talk about this plant is crucial as new opportunities become available to our clients, and the industry as a whole.”
CWCBE attendees who stop by Cova’s booth will receive a free t-shirt splashed with the simple call-to-action, and are encouraged to share why they choose to call it cannabis on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the official campaign hashtag #callitcannabis.
To bolster campaign reach and spark a broader dialogue, Cova partnered with seven prominent cannabis businesses. For more information about the “Call it Cannabis” campaign, visit https://www.covasoftware.com/call-it-cannabis.
###
About Cova
Cova is the leading POS solution for the cannabis industry and helps retailers simplify compliance, reduce operational cost, and increase revenue through inventory management, loyalty programs, and a mobile reporting dashboard. The Cova team is relentlessly pursuing the goal of creating the industry’s first lovable POS. With a growing network of cannabis industry partners, a seamless tech ecosystem gives retailers access to the best tools available to run their business. Today, over 20,000 retailers run on the Cova platform in California, Washington, Colorado, and Canada. Cova’s headquarters are in Denver and Vancouver BC.
For more information about the Cova POS suite, menu boards, and digital solutions, visit www.covasoftware.com.
This site uses cookies. By using this site or closing this notice, you agree to the use of cookies and our privacy policy.
