Why Marijuana Business Owners Are Storming Capitol Hill

Matt Laslo

There’s a crowd of a few dozen people mingling about the Capitol grounds in dark suits, striped ties, power dresses and sunglasses on a summer-like spring day in the nation’s steamy capital. They look like they’re ready for a Republican fundraiser, but they’re actually marijuana business owners – everything from edible bakers to dispensary owners – from 20 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There are no Birkenstocks or marijuana leaves in sight, well except one old hippy draped in a marijuana flag and one U.S. Congressman, Democrat Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, rocking a bowtie polka dotted with cannabis leaves.

Why Marijuana Business Owners Are Storming Capitol Hill