Lawmakers consider removing big roadblock for cannabis companies

The House of Representatives will vote this week on a bill that would let banks do business with cannabis firms without fear of penalty.

(Bloomberg) — The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this week on a bill that would let banks do business with cannabis companies without fear of penalty.

The so-called SAFE Banking Act, which is the least disputed reform sought by the growing industry, got picked up as part of broader legislation, and its inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act was approved by voice vote late Tuesday. It remains to be seen whether the bill will pass the Senate, but the House action gives it a better shot.