Summer Recess & Cannabis Progress: Cannabis News from the Capitol and Expectations for the August Break
by Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Director of Government Relations
After NCIA’s 11th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days concluded in May, cannabis news from Washington, D.C. has been relatively slow. Curious about what’s next before August recess begins? Keep reading to see what may happen ahead of the break and for a recap on where we’re at now.
SAFE Banking
Last month, just before NCIA’s Lobby Days, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee held a hearing titled “Examining Cannabis Banking Challenges of Small Businesses and Workers”. Witnesses included the bill’s lead sponsors, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT), as well as Ademola Oyefes (International Vice President and Director of Legislative and Political Action Department, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union [UFCW]), Michelle Sullivan (Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, Dama Financial), Dr. Kevin Sabet (President/CEO, Smart Approaches to Marijuana [Project SAM]); and Cat Packer (Vice Chair, Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition).
My takeaways from the hearing: no new talking points from Project SAM, surprised by DAMA’s comments (they’ve since walked their testimony [which many saw as opposition to the bill] back), and most importantly of all: the real need for SAFE so that we can stop talking about access to financial services and start talking about legalizing and regulation cannabis in a smart and equitable way.
As for what’s next? Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) recently shared that SAFE Banking would be scheduled for a markup after a few other bills received theirs. The good news? That process has begun. The bad news? Still no formal news on when SAFE’s markup will be. I’m expecting it to be after the Fourth of July break but before members leave D.C. for their annual, month-long August recess.
Appropriations
For years, advocates have looked to the appropriations process as a way in which to enact cannabis reform at the federal level.
In 2014, a provision that protected medical cannabis patients, programs, and businesses from federal interference (known as the “Rohrabacher-Farr” amendment) was included in the federal budget and became law. Since then, the provision has been included in appropriations bills and remains the law of the land.
NCIA has (and continues to) lobby on behalf of expanding this provision to include adult-use businesses and to also use the appropriations process to enact other reforms like allowing Washington, D.C. to commercialize adult-use cannabis sales.
House GOP negotiators heightened the stakes earlier this week when they announced they would mark up their FY2024 spending plans to levels lower than the budget caps set as part of a deal struck between President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). This will undoubtedly make the already contentious budget-process even more volatile.
Maryland
On July 1, adult-use cannabis sales will begin in Maryland. Cannabis became legal for those over 21 in Virginia in 2021, while D.C. legalized cannabis for adults via Initiative 71 in 2014 (but have been unable to begin sales due to congressional interference). Legal sales in the District’s neighboring states means that members of Congress will surely be more exposed to the benefits of regulation.
So, while it’s been relatively quiet in D.C. in June, stay tuned in July for a possible first-ever Senate markup of SAFE Banking! As always, NCIA will continue to advocate on behalf of your business and keep you updated on the latest.
How To Get Involved In National Politics This August – Without A Plane Ticket!
by Michelle Rutter, NCIA Government Relations Manager
Maybe it’s the heat and humidity of D.C. that drives people out of the Beltway – after all, our nation’s capital was built on a swamp! But each year during the month of August, Congress “recesses” or goes home. Traditionally, this time has been used for Members to return home to their districts and meet with constituents and, of course, campaign for re-election. This makes August a quiet month in D.C., but it’s a great time for you and your colleagues to get involved with the political process, engage with Members of Congress, and educate them on cannabis policy.
Since this year has been one for the history books when it comes to cannabis policy in Washington, D.C., we want to make sure your Representative and Senators hear from you during recess. Here are some ways to get involved with the political process – without having to travel to DC!
Attend a town hall
During August recess members of congress tend to hold town halls during their district work periods. Go to https://townhallproject.com/, type in your zip code and find town halls in your district. If there are some being held, prepare a question or two to ask your Representative or Senators and get them on the record about cannabis policy!
Invite Members of Congress to tour your business
Even though cannabis is arguably more mainstream than it’s ever been, many elected officials still have not had the chance to experience what the responsible and legal cannabis industry looks like firsthand. Whether you’re involved with growing, processing, or dispensing cannabis, or operate an ancillary business, offering a tour to a Member of Congress and/or their staff is absolutely invaluable to them. Reach out to your elected officials’ district office and ask if they would be interested in a tour – they are likely more curious than you would expect!
Schedule a meeting with the Member’s district office
August recess means Members of Congress are home for an entire month and is a great opportunity to meet with them and their staff! There are very few things more compelling than a personal story when talking to elected officials, so whether your experience has been with the benefits of medical cannabis, the unfair tax burden of 280E, or the struggle for traditional banking, so be sure to schedule an appointment with your district office to tell that story. Find out who your Representative and Senators are and visit their website to see where their district office is located.
Call your Representative and Senators
Although Congress leaves D.C. during the August recess, that doesn’t mean the phones stop ringing! Call their D.C. and district offices to urge them to support our priority legislation. You can find out who your Representative and Senators are and how to call them here.
Whether you’re talking to a Member of Congress or their staff at an event, or just giving their office a call to ask for their support, remember these easy tips:
- Know what you want to say. Write down or get familiar with some talking points that you want to relay. For example, you can include asking the elected official to cosponsor a specific bill, tell your personal story about your cannabis business, or simply just share your views on cannabis policy.
- Nicely introduce yourself. If on the phone, state your name, address and telephone number so they can submit your comments into the congressional system.
- Identify yourself as a concerned voter. Make sure that they understand that you are a concerned voter and tell them “I would like to express my support for the SAFE Banking Act, HR 1595/S. 1200”.
We all have a responsibility to educate and engage with elected officials in order to change the perception surrounding cannabis. August recess is the perfect opportunity to get involved with federally elected officials without having to leave home! If you need advice, help, or materials to assist you, remember to contact NCIA’s Washington, D.C. office by emailing Michelle@TheCannabisIndustry.org.
Top Three Ways to Support Policy Reform During Congress’ August Recess
Between vacations and time with the family, July’s Quarterly Cannabis Caucus events, and running your business, summer is a jam-packed season. Every year, Congress recesses for the month of August. Traditionally, this time has been used for those Members to leave the Capitol and return home to their districts and meet with constituents and, of course, campaign for re-election. Though this makes August a quiet month in D.C., it’s a great time for you and your colleagues to get involved with the political process, engage with Members of Congress, and educate them on the benefits of a legal, regulated cannabis industry. Here are the top three ways you can get involved in your home state during August recess:
Attend a town hall
Town hall meetings are an excellent way for businesses, local leaders, and representatives of the cannabis movement to communicate with elected officials about issues affecting your community. Make sure you call or check your Representatives’ and Senators’ websites to see if any town halls have been scheduled during August recess. If they aren’t planning on holding one, consider planning a town hall yourself and inviting various elected officials to talk about cannabis policy in your community and on the federal level. Check NCIA’s Facebook page regularly for information about upcoming town hall events in your region.
Invite Members of Congress or their office on a tour of your business
Even though cannabis is arguably more mainstream than it’s ever been, many elected officials still have not had the chance to experience what the responsible and legal cannabis industry looks like with their own eyes. Whether you’re involved with growing, processing, or dispensing cannabis, or operate an ancillary business, a tour with a member of Congress and/or their staff can be eye-opening and educational to them. Reach out to your elected officials’ district office and ask if they would be interested in a tour – their answer may surprise you!
Schedule a meeting with your Member’s district office
August recess means members of Congress are home for an entire month and it is a great opportunity to meet with them and their staff! There are very few things more compelling than a personal story when talking to elected officials, so whether your experience has been with the benefits of medical cannabis, the unfair tax burden of 280E, or the struggle to gain, and keep, access to traditional banking, be sure to schedule an appointment with your district office to tell that story.
Find out who your Representative is and visit their website to see where their district office is located.
We all have a responsibility to educate and engage with elected officials in order to change the perception surrounding cannabis. August recess is the perfect opportunity to get involved with federally elected officials without having to leave home! If you need advice, help, or materials to assist you, remember to contact NCIA’s Government Relations team in Washington, D.C. by emailing michelle@thecannabisindustry.org.
Top 3 Ways to Get Involved with Congress at Home During August Recess
by Michelle Rutter, Government Relations Coordinator
Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August. Traditionally, this time has been used for Members to return home to their districts and meet with constituents and, of course, campaign for re-election. Though this makes August a quiet month in D.C., it’s a great time for you and your colleagues to get involved with the political process, engage with Members of Congress, and educate them on cannabis policy.
Here are the top 3 ways you can get involved at home during August recess:
Attend (or plan) a town hall
Town hall meetings are an excellent way for businesses, local leaders, and representatives of the cannabis movement to communicate with elected officials about issues affecting your community. Make sure you call or check your Representative and Senators’ websites to see if any town halls have been scheduled during August recess. If they aren’t planning on holding one, consider planning a town hall yourself and inviting various elected officials to talk about cannabis policy in your community and on the federal level.
Invite Members of Congress or their office staff on a tour of your business
Even though cannabis is arguably more mainstream than it’s ever been, many elected officials still have not had the chance to experience what the responsible and legal cannabis industry looks like firsthand. Whether you’re involved with growing, processing, or dispensing cannabis, or operate an ancillary business, a tour with a Member of Congress and/or their staff can be invaluable to them. Reach out to your elected officials’ district office and ask if they would be interested in a tour- their answer may surprise you!
Schedule a meeting with your Member’s district office
August recess means Members of Congress are home for an entire month and is a great opportunity to meet with them and their staff! There are very few things more compelling than a personal story when talking to elected officials, so whether your experience has been with the benefits of medical cannabis, the unfair tax burden of 280E, or the struggle for traditional banking, be sure to schedule an appointment with your district office to tell that story. Click here to find out who your Representative is and visit their website to see where their district office is located.
We all have a responsibility to educate and engage with elected officials in order to change the perception surrounding cannabis. August recess is the perfect opportunity to get involved with federally elected officials without having to leave home! If you need advice, help, or materials to assist you, remember to contact NCIA’s Washington, D.C. office by emailing michelle@thecannabisindustry.org.
