Posted on Apr 21, 2022
Pot shop robberies are fueling calls for a U.S. banking bill
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https://www.npr.org/2022/04/20/ [login to see] /pot-shop-robberies-are-fueling-calls-for-a-u-s-banking-bill
A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops — including a pistol-whipping, gunshots and killings in Washington state last month — is helping fuel a renewed push for federal banking reforms that would make the cash-dependent stores a less appealing target.
"It makes absolutely no sense that legal businesses are being forced to operate entirely in cash, and it's dangerous — and sometimes even fatal — for employees behind the register," Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.
Although 18 states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, and 37 allow its medical use, it remains illegal under federal law. Because of that, big banks and credit card companies have long been reluctant to work with the industry, leaving the businesses heavily reliant on cash and making them attractive marks for robbers.
On the annual 4/20 marijuana holiday Wednesday, Murray held a news conference at a suburban Seattle cannabis store to say she will prioritize marijuana banking reform as part of her work as a key negotiator on a conference committee that is ironing out differences in House and Senate versions of a major federal competitiveness and innovation bill.
A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops — including a pistol-whipping, gunshots and killings in Washington state last month — is helping fuel a renewed push for federal banking reforms that would make the cash-dependent stores a less appealing target.
"It makes absolutely no sense that legal businesses are being forced to operate entirely in cash, and it's dangerous — and sometimes even fatal — for employees behind the register," Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.
Although 18 states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, and 37 allow its medical use, it remains illegal under federal law. Because of that, big banks and credit card companies have long been reluctant to work with the industry, leaving the businesses heavily reliant on cash and making them attractive marks for robbers.
On the annual 4/20 marijuana holiday Wednesday, Murray held a news conference at a suburban Seattle cannabis store to say she will prioritize marijuana banking reform as part of her work as a key negotiator on a conference committee that is ironing out differences in House and Senate versions of a major federal competitiveness and innovation bill.
Pot shop robberies are fueling calls for a U.S. banking bill
Posted from npr.org
Marijuana
Crime
Banking
Firearms and Guns
State of Washington
Posted >1 y ago
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Weird... I thought one of the arguments was that legalizing pot would reduce crime associated with it... so you mean to tell me drug addicts are willing to commit a crime to obtain their drugs... man if only we could have seen this one coming .... Stupid games, stupid prizes...
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SGT Tim. Wilson - The cash is a result of the sale of drugs... there are many businesses with heavy cash on hand that do not deal primarily with drug addicts... your environment in the pot shop is a result of the drugs... this is not a "cash on hand" problem; but a result of a pool of people that make less then ideal choices congregating in a single location that in turn they continue to make poor choices in life... Honestly I think it is hilarious and encourage the cash only business to be the only option for this type of business... let them rob each other all they want... See, I do not drink or do drugs; so I can legally carry at all times and do... I carry cash and I encourage anyone that wants to make a withdrawal to stop on by... don't even knock, just come on it...
Of course, this is only my opinion; I am sure there are an equal amount of people that think I am wrong; I accept that but, will not change my opinion.
Of course, this is only my opinion; I am sure there are an equal amount of people that think I am wrong; I accept that but, will not change my opinion.
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MSgt Steve Sweeney - For you to assume I do not want equal rights is funny to me. I have zero issues with equal rights. However I will never agree that pot should be legal, it is a dangerous drugs that leads to further drug use. So I could not care any less about the struggles of the pot industry. At it's core I do not agree with it. So with that, you are right I will not change my stance on it; and honestly that is not a problem.
If I think something is morally wrong; how is it wise to change my opinion... I also think murder is wrong and will never change my stance on that... would you argue that makes me less wise? I think to be certain of ones convictions is wise.. I know what hill I am standing on, and I accept that.
Cash heavy business: quick service restaurants; bars; sub contractor trades; small businesses; pizza shops; landscaping companies; etc... These are businesses that I either worked within, or currently work with.
Thanks for your comments, you always like to play the other side and it provokes thought.
If I think something is morally wrong; how is it wise to change my opinion... I also think murder is wrong and will never change my stance on that... would you argue that makes me less wise? I think to be certain of ones convictions is wise.. I know what hill I am standing on, and I accept that.
Cash heavy business: quick service restaurants; bars; sub contractor trades; small businesses; pizza shops; landscaping companies; etc... These are businesses that I either worked within, or currently work with.
Thanks for your comments, you always like to play the other side and it provokes thought.
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MSgt Steve Sweeney - To answer your insinuation of my person habits - I do not consume alcohol, I do not use tobacco and I do not take any drugs. I worked in a bar as a bouncer, not server (not that changes anything, still a horrible job) when I was young to provide for my family. I was working three jobs at the time.
I 100% do no agree with the use of marijuana and there is no changing my mind on that. I have seen first hand the destruction that drugs and booze can do to people and families. You say victimless crime ... what until you are pulling bodies out of a car because someone decided to smoke a joint and get behind the wheel. Three innocent people died because of your "victimless crime". I also think it should be illegal to drive if you have had even a single sip of alcohol.
Now, I am not all high and mighty; I have no problem with people consuming something that is legal... my argument is my own and if the majority believe it should be legal, and by law is made to be; I will above all else support the law.
I can tell you from managing quick service restaurants there is no chance the cash to credit ratio is 30/70...historically anyway. I can see given todays world maybe more so; but as early as 5 years ago it was not. Not my opinion either... I managed the money, I know what I took to the bank. And my conviction is clear; you just don't agree with it. i think marijuana should remain illegal and is a dangerous drug. I stand by my moral compass... is it right??? To me it is and that is what matters to me. Are you right? Maybe, but to you; you feel you are and that also matters to me... see we both get to stand on our own soap box... that is equality right; equal rights?
On a side note, my original comment was around the premise that I have zero empathy for drug dealers getting robbed...
I 100% do no agree with the use of marijuana and there is no changing my mind on that. I have seen first hand the destruction that drugs and booze can do to people and families. You say victimless crime ... what until you are pulling bodies out of a car because someone decided to smoke a joint and get behind the wheel. Three innocent people died because of your "victimless crime". I also think it should be illegal to drive if you have had even a single sip of alcohol.
Now, I am not all high and mighty; I have no problem with people consuming something that is legal... my argument is my own and if the majority believe it should be legal, and by law is made to be; I will above all else support the law.
I can tell you from managing quick service restaurants there is no chance the cash to credit ratio is 30/70...historically anyway. I can see given todays world maybe more so; but as early as 5 years ago it was not. Not my opinion either... I managed the money, I know what I took to the bank. And my conviction is clear; you just don't agree with it. i think marijuana should remain illegal and is a dangerous drug. I stand by my moral compass... is it right??? To me it is and that is what matters to me. Are you right? Maybe, but to you; you feel you are and that also matters to me... see we both get to stand on our own soap box... that is equality right; equal rights?
On a side note, my original comment was around the premise that I have zero empathy for drug dealers getting robbed...
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MSgt Steve Sweeney your are twisting my words, or perhaps I did not present my argument properly. I base my moral compass on my personal beliefs... I follow the laws that are passed with respect to the rule of law and the constitution. My personal beliefs will not change my willingness to follow the law. I voted to not support legalization, however more people voted for it. I accept the process...personal beliefs and person choice remains mine.
Have a good night.
Have a good night.
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