U.S. House lawmakers on Wednesday approved overwhelmingly by a
321-103 vote the SAFE Banking Act. The SAFE Banking Act would pave
the way for financial institutions and insurance companies to serve
state-legal cannabis businesses and ancillary businesses without
fear of federal reprisal. Ninety-one Republicans voted for the
measure, in a showing of strong bipartisan support. This marks the
first time a body of Congress has approved pro-cannabis
legislation.
While Wednesday's vote is a historic step for the cannabis
industry, this move alone is not expected to substantially change
cannabis businesses' financial situations as they relate to
banking – unless the Senate follows suit.