Assessing Risk for Cannabis Businesses

Assessing Risk for Cannabis Business

A BSA negative news search refers to the process of reviewing news, media reports, and public sources to identify adverse information related to a customer or business. This search is a key component of enhanced due diligence (EDD) for high-risk clients under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance framework.Cannabis businesses, often referred to as cannabis-related businesses (CRBs), encompass a wide range of operations within the cannabis industry, including cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail.

These businesses may focus on either medical or recreational cannabis or a combination of both, depending on state laws. CRBs also extend beyond plant-touching businesses to include ancillary services such as marketing, legal consulting, and technology solutions specifically designed for the cannabis sector. Each type of cannabis business operates under strict state regulations and, in some cases, municipal laws, making compliance a critical element in their success.

Next Upcoming Live event: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – 3-4pm ET/ 12-1pm PT

Event Description

Cannabis businesses, often referred to as cannabis-related businesses (CRBs), encompass a wide range of operations within the cannabis industry, including cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail. These businesses may focus on either medical or recreational cannabis or a combination of both, depending on state laws. CRBs also extend beyond plant-touching businesses to include ancillary services such as marketing, legal consulting, and technology solutions specifically designed for the cannabis sector. Each type of cannabis business operates under strict state regulations and, in some cases, municipal laws, making compliance a critical element in their success.

Cannabis businesses face unique challenges due to the industry’s legal complexities. Despite the legalization of cannabis in many states, it remains federally illegal in the United States, resulting in limited access to financial services, insurance, and other essential business needs. CRBs must also navigate ever-evolving regulatory requirements, including licensing, product testing, labeling, and taxation. As the industry continues to grow, CRBs are focusing on innovation, sustainability, and addressing social equity to ensure long-term success and compliance within this highly regulated space.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Diverse Business Models: Cannabis businesses range from growers and processors to dispensaries and ancillary service providers like tech and legal firms.
  • Regulatory Challenges: CRBs operate in a legal gray area, managing state-level legalization with federal illegality, leading to complex compliance needs.
  • Licensing and Compliance: Cannabis businesses must secure specific licenses and adhere to stringent rules regarding product safety, labeling, and distribution.
  • Banking and Financial Barriers: Due to federal law, many cannabis businesses struggle to access traditional banking services, relying heavily on cash transactions.
  • Focus on Innovation: As the industry matures, cannabis businesses are increasingly investing in technology, sustainability, and social equity initiatives to address market demands and regulatory pressures.

Are you interested in more than one of our webinars? Consider a membership to maximize your benefits and education with the ACB. For one flat price, you get year-long access to our full content library AND our Cannabis Banking Professional Professional Certification!

Meet the Instructor

Erin O’Donnell – Co-Founder Association for Cannabis Banking

Erin O’Donnell, Founding Partner of the Association for Cannabis Banking, Co-Founder of BankersHub and Co-Founder and former CEO of Bankerstuff, oversees product innovation and education.

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