Mastercard Blocks Debit Card Transactions for Cannabis, Citing Federal Law

Mastercard has instructed financial institutions to halt marijuana-related transactions on its debit cards, exacerbating the plight of the already marginalized U.S. cannabis industry. This decision underlines the ongoing discordance between state legalization and federal restrictions, as 38 states have legalized medicinal marijuana use, and 23 states permit recreational use. The company's move underscores the sector's wider banking challenges, further hindering cannabis consumers and businesses from accessing this emerging market.

Taking swift action after becoming aware of the issue, Mastercard promptly investigated and directed the financial institutions that facilitate payment services for cannabis merchants to terminate this activity following their policies. The spokesperson further emphasized that, due to the federal government's classification of cannabis sales as illegal, purchases in this category are not permitted on Mastercard systems.

The crackdown specifically targets dispensaries, preventing them from offering customers the option to pay with a debit card using their account's PIN. While marijuana is legal for medical use in 38 states and for recreational use in 23 states, including Washington DC and the entire U.S. West Coast, Mastercard's restrictions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the industry.

In Canada, where cannabis was legalized nationally in 2018, customers can generally pay with credit or debit cards. Consequently, this move by Mastercard represents another setback for the state-legal cannabis industry and the patients and consumers seeking access to this emerging market.

Brady Cobb, the CEO of Sunburn Cannabis, expressed his disappointment, recognizing the negative impact of this decision on the industry and those who rely on cannabis for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, Darren Weiss, President of pot firm Verano, pledged to continue advocating for cannabis reform in Washington, engaging in meaningful dialogue with elected officials and key stakeholders to promote the growth of safe, legal cannabis throughout the U.S.

It is worth noting that earlier this month, Republican Senator John Cornyn dismissed Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's aspiration to pass a marijuana banking bill, characterizing it as wishful thinking. The SAFE Banking Act, a significant legislation, aims to facilitate access to banking services for the cannabis industry.

Photo: Wesley Gibbs/Unsplash