Bankers seek to get foothold in medical marijuana industry

Most Florida banks avoid cannabis and related companies — given the obstacles and legal uncertainty. Others see opportunity in the mushrooming industry.

Mark Wemple. Bradenton Beach resident Dana Chaves joined First Federal Bank in February 2019, where she now oversees the bank’s cannabis banking program.
Mark Wemple. Bradenton Beach resident Dana Chaves joined First Federal Bank in February 2019, where she now oversees the bank’s cannabis banking program.
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Alex Levine knows what’s like to be told by his bank to take a hike. Like the time in 2015, his Colorado retail cannabis business flush with cash from sales, when he sat outside an ATM shoving bills into the kiosk at night. Call it the dope deposit.

 

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