Over the past week, there have been several developments in the world of cannabis and safe banking. Here’s a recap of some of the most significant headlines from May 8th to May 12th, 2023.

Firstly, on May 9th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAFE Banking Act by a vote of 321 to 101. This legislation would provide protections for financial institutions that work with state-legal cannabis businesses. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future. However, many advocates are hopeful that this could be the year that the SAFE Banking Act finally becomes law.

In other news, on May 10th, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority announced that it would be implementing new rules for medical cannabis businesses in the state. Among the changes are requirements for background checks for all employees, mandatory security measures, and stricter labeling guidelines. These regulations come in response to concerns about the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the Ontario government announced on May 11th that it would be allowing cannabis delivery and curbside pickup services for licensed retailers. This move comes in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and is aimed at making it easier for consumers to access legal cannabis products while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

In the United Kingdom, the government announced on May 12th that it would be launching a review of medical cannabis regulations in the country. The review will examine the current legal framework for medical cannabis and explore potential changes that could improve patient access to these treatments. This comes after years of advocacy from patient groups and cannabis reform advocates in the UK.

Finally, on May 12th, a group of 25 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to President Biden urging him to support federal cannabis reform. The letter calls for the removal of cannabis from the list of controlled substances, as well as the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions. The lawmakers argue that these steps are necessary to address the harms caused by the war on drugs and to promote social and racial justice.

Overall, this past week was a significant one for cannabis and safe banking. With the passage of the SAFE Banking Act in the House of Representatives, the launch of a review of medical cannabis regulations in the UK, and other developments, it is clear that the cannabis industry continues to evolve and change rapidly. We can expect to see many more developments in the weeks and months ahead as lawmakers and advocates continue to push for reform and change.