Former Congressman Behind Marijuana Banking Bill Discusses New Lobbying Work and Offers Rescheduling Predictions
Government relations attorney Ed Perlmutter was interviewed for an article published by Marijuana Moment about his lobbying work to advance cannabis banking reform since leaving Congress. As an adviser to the National Cannabis Roundtable, Mr. Perlmutter wants to revise the push to pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, which aims to allow financial services for state-legal marijuana businesses. Despite leaving Capitol Hill without seeing the bill become a law, he said he remains hopeful it can pass this year, though he acknowledged dysfunction in the divided Congress could pose challenges. Mr. Perlmutter also discussed prospects for federal marijuana rescheduling, predicting a decision between now and mid-summer.
"I think there are a lot of folks that want to get it done," he said. "The problem is just that Congress has got to start functioning in a better way. And I hold out hope for that."