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Banking & Cannabis: The Next Frontier Webinar

Client Alert

On Tuesday, September 21st, BMD’s own Banking and Cannabis Partner, Stephen Lenn, hosted a star-studded cast of panelists in a webinar titled Banking & Cannabis: Cannabis Lending, The Next Frontier. The webinar, which had to suspend registrations when hitting a maximum cap of 500, aimed to explore issues related to cannabis and banking, with a particular emphasis on lending. With the sponsorship and support of the Bankers Associations of Arizona, Colorado, Ohio and Utah, Steve was able to recruit an elite group of bankers, bank regulators, cannabis industry players, and cannabis regulators, who took the topic head on. The discussion kicked off with an opening from the keynote speaker, VP of Congressional Affairs for the American Bankers Association, Tanner Daniel.

Mr. Daniel opened the panel discussion with an observation that even though he never envisioned being involved in cannabis lobbying, yet the political climate and rapidly changing laws of cannabis thrust him into the space. With that, Mr. Daniel discussed the realities of passing the various pieces of legislation currently pending at the federal level, but a pervasive theme followed his comments and the rest of the conversation – banking the cannabis industry is here, and it going to keep moving forward!

From there, the discussion was passed onto the panel of bankers, industry players, and regulators who addressed banking and cannabis from their points of view. The robust conversation ranged from how bankers got into the business, their experience with regulators, how they perform risk-based assessments to categorize certain cannabis businesses when providing bank services, to issues facing cannabis executives and employees who are trying to obtain personal loans and mortgages, then topped off the discussion by describing how cannabis regulators interact with financial institutions throughout the licensing process.

The webinar ultimately created several important results. First, the program brought together prominent constituencies in the banking and cannabis space which will facilitate greater collaboration and future successes among those stakeholders. Second, it provided actionable information to the attendees – about 75% of whom were bankers representing more than 200 banks, including a dozen of the 56 largest. Finally, even if measured only by the level of interest reflected by capacity registration, it substantiates the almost inevitable expansion of banking for the cannabis industry – and that everyone must be ready.

For a recording of the webinar, click here. For more information on the importance of banking and cannabis, click here for a compilation of related materials.

Please direct all related inquiries to cannabislaw@bmdllc.com


Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.

Ohio House Bill 537: Proposed Regulations for Midwives and Birthing Centers

House Bill 537, introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives, proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework for certified nurse-midwives, certified midwives, licensed midwives, and traditional midwives. The legislation would clarify scope of practice, establish licensure standards, and impose new requirements for freestanding birthing centers and home births. Healthcare providers and facilities should be aware of the proposed changes and their potential operational impact.

Proposed Health Information Privacy Reform Act Expands Protections Beyond HIPAA

The Health Information Privacy Reform Act (HIPRA) seeks to extend privacy protections to health data not covered under HIPAA, including data collected by apps and wearables. HIPRA introduces broader definitions of protected health information, strengthens privacy and security requirements, establishes patient notification rights, and sets national de-identification standards. Companies processing health data should monitor developments to ensure compliance.

Medicare Updates on Skin Substitutes: LCDs Withdrawn, Payment Changes Take Effect

Medicare’s planned Final Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for skin substitutes were withdrawn in late December 2025, meaning previous coverage rules remain in effect. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule introduces a single payment rate of approximately $127.14 for these products. Providers should review implications for diabetic foot and venous leg ulcer treatments.