It’s been a busy two weeks for federal marijuana policy. Last week, news broke that the Biden Administration could reclassify marijuana as a lower schedule.^[1] Now, bipartisan Senators are signaling that a vote on the SAFE Banking Act—which would allow cannabis businesses increased access to basic banking services—is “imminent.”^[2]

I’ve worked with congressional offices for years to forge a path to legalizing marijuana AND ensuring that those who have been arrested get justice.

We have a real opportunity to do just that, but only if we are unified in demanding that we legalize BOTH the money and the people. Over 10,000 BOWL PAC supporters have already sent messages to their Senators in support of this effort. Will you join them?

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Republican Senate Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT) [who, ironically, is tasked with defeating Senator Brown next year] agreed on advancing the improved SAFE Banking bill.

Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, released a joint statement earlier this year that they are committed to adding the bipartisan Harnessing Opportunity by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act to the SAFE Banking Act on the floor of the Senate.^[3]

It would be unconscionable for the US Senate to protect bankers but not people when it comes to weed. We must stand together and demand that these two pieces of legislation be fused together to ensure that Congress builds the muscle memory and political will for comprehensive marijuana reform.

So please, join me and the thousands of others who already sent a message to their Senators and take action now!

Thanks for all you do.

In Solidarity,

Justin

Justin Strekal
Founding Organizer
BOWL PAC

P.S. We’re fighting everyday to defeat cannabis prohibitionists in Congress and win expungement for everyone impacted by criminalization. Will you chip in a few bucks to support our cause? Together, we will better organize and win legalization.

[1] BOWL PAC: Major Cannabis Reform & Industry Non-Profits: Rescheduling Won’t Achieve Biden Administration’s Campaign Promise or Social Justice Goals
[2] Marijuana Moment: Marijuana Banking Bill Talks Were ‘Very Productive’ Over Recess, GOP Senate Sponsor’s Office Says, As Key Chairman Predicts ‘Imminent’ Agreement
[3] Office of Senator Cory Booker: Booker, Schumer, Wyden Joint Statement on SAFE Banking Act