By Associated Press - Friday, January 24, 2014

DENVER (AP) - Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is responding with relief to word from federal officials that marijuana businesses will be allowed to access banking services.

Attorney General Eric Holder said Thursday that the Obama administration is planning to roll out regulations soon that would allow banks to do business with legal marijuana sellers.

Hickenlooper’s spokesman released a statement Friday morning saying the news is welcome. Spokesman Eric Brown says Colorado hopes the guidance is specific.

Currently, processing money from marijuana sales puts federally insured banks at risk of drug racketeering charges.

Because of the threat of criminal prosecution, financial institutions often refuse to let marijuana-related businesses open accounts.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide