June 16, 2023

Winning Together in Washington, DC

By
Ali Amirhooshmand
June 16, 2023

Dutchie’s government relations team is leading the effort to change the federal scheduling of cannabis and remove the burden of 280E forbidding businesses associated with the trafficking of Schedule I or II substances from deducting business expenses.Β 

As co-chairs of the Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR), we are tirelessly advocating for your right to legally sell cannabis. Furthermore, as part of the executive leadership team at the United States Cannabis Council (USCC), we are fighting to ensure that traditional banking and payment services are accessible to those in the cannabis industry.

Whether you’re a small operator without the resources to fight for your right to sell cannabis and get out from under the oppressive financial imposition of 280E, or a multi-state operator with your own government relations resources, Dutchie is the only technology partner fighting with you and for you in DC.

If you are one of our customers or partners who are interested in getting involved for the first time and don’t know where to start, or are looking to rejoin the fight, we encourage you to reach out to our government relations team at GR@dutchie.com.Β 

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Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR)

The Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform (CCSR) is the alliance formed by industry participants and organizations dedicated to making a decisive impact on the future of cannabis regulation by positively influencing the Biden Administration's agency review of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra intends to follow through on President Biden’s directive to review the schedule of cannabis β€œthis year”. Cannabis is currently a Schedule I drug, which means the FDA considers it to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, claims which are plainly false. Re/Descheduling cannabis to Schedule III or lower would be a significant criminal justice reform and automatically remove the tax burden of 280E for cannabis companies.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your company to multiply its impact by partnering with other industry leaders shaping the future of cannabis regulation. CCSR provides critical insights into the re/descheduling process and the opportunity to participate in working groups directing our collective efforts and submissions to federal agencies. You'll be part of lobbying and public affairs efforts at the highest levels, delivering consistent, persistent messaging resulting in lasting, positive change in the cannabis industry. Read more about the coalition and scheduling reform.

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United States Cannabis Council (USCC)‍

The USCC is the largest consensus-driven body representing a broad swath of the cannabis industry at the federal level. The USCC plays an integral role in cultivating a diverse, prosperous, and values-driven cannabis industry. The USCC stands firm in its commitment to social equity, centered on rectifying the disproportionate impacts of cannabis prohibition on the communities most impacted by the war on drugs through initiatives like expungement of criminal records and de-incarceration for past cannabis offenses.Β  Your involvement will be instrumental in shaping policies and regulations advancing common-sense reforms resulting in the safe and responsible sale and use of cannabis.

Significantly, the USCC plays a critical role in driving the SAFE Banking Act, which would significantly expand access to banking, financial services, loans, insurance, and normalized payments for the cannabis industry. Read the USCC’s summary of the SAFE Banking Act.

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Take Action Now‍

The window of opportunity on these two game changing initiatives will close with the end of this election cycle in November 2024. Join us in taking action before it’s too late. Reach out today at GR@dutchie.com, or fill out the form below.

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About the author
Ali Amirhooshmand
Director, Head of Government Relations