Page 3 - David Postman News Today

A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops is helping fuel a renewed push for federal banking reforms that would make the cash-dependent stores less appealing.

SEATTLE (AP) — A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops — including a...

A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops in Washington state — including a pistol-whipping, gunshots and killings — is helping fuel a renewed push...

A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops is helping fuel a renewed push for federal banking reforms that would make the cash-dependent stores a less appealing target.

Because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, 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.

A surge in robberies at licensed cannabis shops is helping fuel a renewed push for federal banking reforms that would make the cash-dependent stores a less appealing target.

Dozens of robberies have been reported at pot shops across the state. Those robberies have become more violent, and recently -- deadly.

People have started using hemp to extract a non-intoxicating compound called CBD and chemically changing it into various types of impairing THC.

Chemically changing hemp extract to mimic the intoxicating compound in marijuana is becoming more common. And while the resulting CBD products aren't expected to compete with top-shelf cannabis offerings, chemically-made THC is so cheap to create some fear it could undercut established growers.

Over the past few years, Jonny Griffis has invested millions of dollars in his legal marijuana farm in northern Michigan, which produces extracts to be used in things such as gummy bears and vape oils.