Witnesses. Today the committee will hear from witnesses about the challenges that state stanksed businesses in the cannabis owners have when attempting to under the controlled substance act, its considered a schedule one drug. Being categorized as a schedule one means that the possession, distribution or sale of marijuana or other marijuana derived products is illegal under federal law and any proceeds from cannabis related activities remain subject to antiMoney Laundering laws. In the last several years many states have used valid initiatives or referendums that have legalized marijuana in some form, whether for recreational or medical use. Currently there are 11 states plus the district of columbia where it is legal to buy and consume recreational and medical marijuana adds well. And there are 22 states plus d. C. That have approvedmedcal marijuana totaling 33 states in all that have some form of Legal Marijuana. Senators gardner and merkley have introduced Bipartisan Legislation tha
Marijuana derived products is illegal under federal law. Theyre subject to antiMoney Laundering laws such as the Money Laundering control act. The last several years many states used Ballot Initiatives or referendums that legalized marijuana in some form whether for recreational or medical use. Currently there are 11 states plus the district of colombia where it is legal to buy and consume Recreational Marijuana and medical marijuana as well. And there are 22 states plus d. C. That have approved medical marijuana totaling 33 states in all that have some form of Legal Marijuana. The senators introduced Bipartisan Legislation that attempts to ease difficulties resulting from the legal status and more lenient state laws. I spoke many times with senator gardiner on this bill and appreciate the hard work that each senator has done on this legislation. And i look forward to hearing from each of you very soon. Our second panel of witnesses will highlight challenges that institutions face in b