A fatal shooting at a Portland dispensary has reignited the conversation about the inherent risks faced by businesses in the legal cannabis sector. The tragic event, which occurred during an attempted robbery, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that cannabis dispensaries face, particularly those still forced to operate in a predominantly cash-only environment.
The Deadly Incident
On October 3, 2024, a fatal altercation left two men, 18-year-old King Lawrence and 20-year-old Tahir Burley, dead outside La Mota, a Portland dispensary. The employee involved in the shooting, Jason Steiner, turned himself in to authorities and now faces the potential of criminal charges for acting in what he claims was self-defense during an armed robbery.
According to reports, the incident unfolded as three suspects attempted to rob the dispensary, leaving the business with extensive damage and shattered lives.
Steiner, who was put in a position where he felt he had to defend himself, now faces a harsh legal reality—a reality brought on by unnecessary risks and a lack of action at the federal level. This incident shines a light on how preventable tragedies can occur when businesses are forced to operate under unsafe conditions.
An Unnecessary and Preventable Tragedy
At the heart of this tragedy lies a frustrating truth: this situation could have been avoided if Congress had acted sooner on cannabis banking reform. The inaction on passing the SAFER Banking Act, combined with an administration dragging its feet on rescheduling cannabis have left dispensaries in a position where they must rely heavily on cash transactions. This makes them prime targets for criminals who know there are large sums of cash on-site at any given time.
The fact that dispensaries like the one in Portland remain cash-heavy is no accident—it’s a direct result of outdated federal laws. Without access to banking services, cannabis businesses cannot offer electronic payment options.
Had these options been available, it’s possible that the two young men who attempted to rob the dispensary might have made different choices. They might still be alive today, and Jason Steiner might not be facing legal repercussions for simply trying to protect himself.
The Cannabis Industry’s Unique Vulnerability
Across the U.S., cannabis dispensaries are increasingly becoming soft targets for criminal activity. Without the ability to process transactions electronically, they are forced to stockpile cash, making them irresistible to thieves.
This dangerous dynamic puts dispensary employees, customers, and surrounding communities at risk. Every transaction, every payroll, and every tax payment must be done in cash, amplifying the chances of these deadly robberies occurring.
The Cash-Only Problem
The inability of cannabis businesses to access traditional banking services is a significant part of the problem. Federal restrictions continue to classify cannabis as a Schedule I substance, which blocks these legal businesses from using banking systems that would allow for safer, more secure operations. As a result, dispensaries have no choice but to handle large amounts of cash, increasing the risks for everyone involved.
If dispensaries were allowed to offer other payment options, such as credit or debit card processing, they would cease to be such obvious targets for criminal activity. The SAFER Banking Act, which has recently gained momentum in Congress, seeks to address this issue by allowing cannabis businesses to access financial services, reducing the need for cash on hand. However, the inaction on this legislation has created a dangerous environment that fosters criminal behavior.
The SAFER Banking Act: A Potential Solution
The SAFER Banking Act represents a critical opportunity to protect cannabis businesses from the risks associated with cash transactions. Recently moving through committee with broad bipartisan support, the bill aims to provide legal cannabis businesses with the same financial tools available to other industries, including banking services, loans, and electronic payments.
Passing the SAFER Banking Act would not only protect dispensaries from becoming targets, but it would also make it easier for businesses to operate securely and for employees to work without fear of becoming the next victim of a robbery gone wrong. It would also give communities like Portland one less reason to mourn avoidable tragedies.
Industry-Wide Implications
As law enforcement continues to search for the third suspect in the Portland dispensary robbery, the events that led to the deaths of King Lawrence and Tahir Burley remain a sobering reminder of what’s at stake. This incident should not be seen as an isolated event but as part of a broader pattern of preventable tragedies fueled by federal inaction.
While the SAFER Banking Act offers hope, it’s clear that Congress’s reluctance to pass banking reform has allowed a dangerous status quo to persist. And the administration’s hesitation to reschedule cannabis compounds this problem by leaving businesses like dispensaries in a legal gray area where they are forced to operate with cash.
The reality is this: Jason Steiner should never have been put in a position in which he felt he had to defend his own life, and two young men might still be alive . This unnecessary tragedy highlights the urgent need for Congress and the administration to act swiftly, providing safer financial solutions for cannabis businesses and their employees.
An Urgent Need for Reform
The shooting outside La Mota cannabis dispensary was a tragedy that should never have happened. As long as Congress drags its feet on the SAFER Banking Act and the administration refuses to reschedule cannabis, dispensaries will remain vulnerable to violent crime. Cash dependence creates a dangerous environment not only for businesses but also for the communities they serve. It’s time for lawmakers to prioritize the safety of the cannabis industry before more lives are lost.
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