Other Press Releases

US Cannabis Council Statement on the Fair Access for Cannabis Small Businesses Act

Nov 18, 2022

Contact: Nik Sibley, 850-345-7092, press@uscannabiscouncil.org


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Fair Access for Cannabis Small Businesses Act, a critical piece of legislation that would help ensure legally operating small cannabis businesses have access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and programs. Currently, SBA excludes from its loan and entrepreneurial development programs all small businesses with “direct” or “indirect” products or services that aid the use, growth, enhancement, or other development of cannabis. 



USCC CEO, Khadijah Tribble, released the following statement:


“For Black and brown communities that have been ravaged by the war on drugs for decades, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as the end of cannabis prohibition comes near. But without access to capital through financing tools like SBA loans, most Black and brown cannabis entrepreneurs won’t get the chance to profit from an industry that was once used to stigmatize them — even in states where the plant has been legalized.”


“Senator Rosen’s landmark legislation would help advance equity and innovation in the cannabis industry by leveling the playing field for independent cannabis operators. If paired with the SAFE Banking Act, The Fair Access for Cannabis Small Businesses Act would create a regulatory framework that would ensure a vibrant startup scene and a diversity of players.”




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The US Cannabis Council (USCC) is the voice of America's regulated cannabis industry. Our business members include many of the largest cannabis companies in the nation, and our nonprofit members are leaders in cannabis policy, criminal justice reform, and more. By harnessing the collective power and reach of our 60+ member companies and nonprofits, we have become a leading force for ending federal prohibition and creating an equitable and values-driven cannabis industry. For more information visit https://www.uscc.org/


01 May, 2024
Following the reintroduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, US Cannabis Council SVP of Public Affairs David Culver released the following statement: "We welcome today’s reintroduction of the CAOA and applaud the cosponsors for their foresight and commitment. The end of federal cannabis prohibition is within sight, and our nation will need smart legislation to usher in a new era of legal access. "The CAOA is historic in its ambition and sweeping nature. We look forward to reviewing the updated legislative text and engaging in substantive discussions about how to transition away from the illicit market to a regulated national market that provides opportunities for all. "Coming on the heels of historic rescheduling news, today’s reintroduction is a true sign of the times. We believe that moving to Schedule III will facilitate the many reforms yet to come.” # # #
21 Mar, 2024
"The US Cannabis Council applauds President Biden for highlighting cannabis reform as an issue of national concern during his State of the Union address. The President has issued historic pardons for nonviolent cannabis offenses and initiated a groundbreaking review of the status of cannabis under federal law. Tonight's remarks before a national audience signal the President's ongoing commitment to advancing cannabis reform. We are encouraged by what we heard this evening and optimistic that the Biden Administration will move cannabis down to Schedule III this year."
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27 Jan, 2024
The Position Responsible for directing USCC in meeting or exceeding annual membership goals for all member types, and dues to yield revenue. Deliver membership services to new and existing USCC members consistent with the strategic plan, budgetary goals and member needs. The pace of the work is faster than average. The ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognizing and adapting to changing conditions is critical...
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19 Dec, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several outlets are reporting that cannabis banking reform will not be included in the omnibus funding package. Specifically, we understand that Senators failed to reach a deal that would enact the SAFE Banking Act, a critical piece of legislation that would give legal cannabis businesses expanded access to banking and payment services. Under current federal law, financial institutions are prohibited from providing cannabis businesses with critical tools and services like bank accounts and loans...
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08 Dec, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Biden announced the release of WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner, who for ten months languished as a political prisoner in Russia due to accusations of cannabis possession...
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07 Dec, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bill language for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released without cannabis banking reform or restorative justice provisions, despite promising reports that the NDAA might be used as a vehicle for this legislative framework. Under current federal law, financial institutions are prohibited from providing cannabis businesses with critical tools and services like bank accounts and loans, leading to enormous barriers to entry for smaller operators, denial of personal financial services to cannabis industry employees, and ongoing threats to public safety....
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02 Dec, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a joint virtual event co-organized by the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the United States Cannabis Council (USCC) on cannabis legalization and what mayors can do to best advance social equity, AAMA 1st Vice President Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and USCC CEO Khadijah Tribble joined forces to call on Congress to take action on pressing cannabis issues that are affecting cities across the nation, particularly those with large communities of color...
US flag, sky
02 Dec, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Cannabis Council released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), would create a process for the federal government to establish effective regulation upon federal cannabis legalization. It mirrors the House companion bill that Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) filed earlier this year.
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18 Nov, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Fair Access for Cannabis Small Businesses Act, a critical piece of legislation that would help ensure legally operating small cannabis businesses have access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and programs. Currently, SBA excludes from its loan and entrepreneurial development programs all small businesses with “direct” or “indirect” products or services that aid the use, growth, enhancement, or other development of cannabis...
USCC logo
17 Nov, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Cannabis Council CEO, Khadijah Tribble, released the following statement praising the Senate passage of the bipartisan Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act: “The Senate’s unanimous passage of this legislation represents a significant change in posture towards much needed and meaningful cannabis reform. The Senate should capitalize on this momentum and pass the bipartisan SAFE Banking Act before the end of the lame-duck session. USCC will continue to engage with Congress and the administration toward ending federal prohibition on cannabis...
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