Senator Pushes for Marijuana Banking Reform Following Deadly Pot Shop Robbery

(Olympia, WA) -- A Washington U.S. Senator is working to get legislation through Congress that would allow marijuana retailers to do business with banks. Currently, most pot shops and dispensaries have to keep large amounts of cash in safes because federal law prohibits them from using banks. Senator Patty Murray (D) wants a compromise bill that would pass both the House and Senate. Murray says keeping large amounts of cash in weed stores makes them targets for more robberies.

The case in point of that assertion is a deadly robbery that recently took place at World of Weed in Tacoma last month. On March 24th, 16-year-old Montrell Hatfield and 15-year-old Marshon Jones allegedly shot and killed 29-year-old Jordan Brown during the armed robbery of World of Weed. Hatfield pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm during his first court appearance Wednesday. Police already arrested Jones just over a week ago; he also pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces.

Hatfield is being charged as an adult, and prosecutors are asking to charge Jones as an adult as well.