As opinions shift on legalised weed, here’s how the sector is still being held back in the US
The US federal government still sees marijuana as an illegal drug, even as a growing number of states are legalising its use
By Erin Barry
Earlier this year, recreational marijuana sales became legal in California, the most populous state in the US. While only eight other states and Washington DC have laws that fully legalise recreational marijuana, 29 states have broadly legalised medical pot.
Still, marijuana use is still illegal under federal law. The US government classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it is perceived to have no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse.
The regulatory confusion makes the cost of doing business high and burdensome. Many banks won’t work with companies in the space; in turn, companies are forced to operate in cash.
“Moving cash around is expensive,” Troy Dayton, CEO and co-founder of cannabis market research firm Arcview Group told CNBC’s On the Money in an interview. “It can be dangerous and it’s not in the public’s best interest.
“There are quite a few banks that are doing business with cannabis businesses, but often times it’s short-lived. They have to move from bank to bank and [the banks] will often charge a lot of money because of all the extra liability and the compliance.”
Over the years, public opinion has largely swung in favour of more liberalised pot use. According to a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, 94 per cent of Americans say they are in favour of allowing adults to legally use marijuana for medical purposes if a doctor prescribes it.
I think de-scheduling this drug, allowing for the research, would be very helpful for the American people
The data reflects a growing shift toward acceptance amid the American public. Among those changing their opinions is former House Speaker John Boehner.
“It’s time for the federal government to take another look at this, and I think de-scheduling this drug, allowing for the research, would be very helpful for the American people,” Boehner told CNBC in an interview just last week.
This week, cannabis firm Acreage Holdings announced two new members to its advisory board: Boehner and former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld. The latter has been in favour of legalising medical marijuana since 1992, but Boehner has held a hard line position against it — until now.
“My position is the states, under the 10th Amendment, have the right to create laws for their own citizens. Let the people in these states decide what is they want to do,” Boehner told CNBC.
While Dayton says he wishes the former Speaker of the House would have changed his stance while in office, he acknowledged it’s a big shift. “He’s actually on the board of a company that’s violating federal law – that is a bold thing,” says Dayton.
‘Remarkable’ tax money
As for taxes, even though marijuana is illegal at the federal level, companies in the industry will still need to pay Uncle Sam come April 17th.
“The tax money here is remarkable,” says Dayton. “In Colorado it has now surpassed the taxes in alcohol.”
In 2017, Colorado received US$210.4 million dollars in tax revenue from marijuana, but just US$45.7 million from alcohol. Even though businesses are facing higher tax burdens, Dayton said he still sees a big opportunity for the future.
“In North America, this is a US$10 billion dollar market growing to a US$24 billion dollar market by 2021 – that’s a 27 per cent compound annual growth rate,” he said.
Dayton added: “This is an industry creating jobs, creating tax dollars, it’s reducing the cost of law enforcement efforts and all for a product that’s safer than alcohol.”
