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REPUBLICANS SEND MIXED SIGNALS

The legalization movement has scored some major victories in conservative states, but Politico reports GOP Senators in MED and REC markets remain skeptical of legalization. Even with full Democratic support, which is not a given, legalization appears unlikely to have the 60 votes necessary to clear the Senate. 

  • The industry hoped former Sen. Cory Gardner’s (R-Colo.) evolution on the issue would be a model for other Republicans. However, Republicans from other legal states have mostly disappointed. This might be because Gardner was facing (and lost) a close election in a state where cannabis is a priority for voters.
  • Bank reform could have a better chance. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) opposes legalization, no matter what his constituents want, but is a lead sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, which would enable the industry to access the financial system. 

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