A bipartisan coalition of Maine legislators filed Senate Bill 1314 today, titled “An Act to Protect Cannabis Industry Workers’ Access to Personal Credit.”
The bill, filed by 10 members of the Maine House and Senate, would prevent financial discrimination against individuals employed in the state’s cannabis sector, ensuring that cannabis industry workers are not denied credit solely due to their employment. The proposal has been assigned to the Senate and House Health Coverage, Insurance and Finance Services Committees.
Under the proposed legislation, creditors cannot refuse or cancel credit cards or deny credit applications based on a person’s status as an owner, operator, employee of a cannabis establishment, or as a registered caregiver under Maine’s Medical Use of Cannabis Act. This protection applies unless federal law explicitly prohibits such actions.
The bill also includes privacy safeguards. Creditors are barred from disclosing information about a person’s cannabis-related employment without their consent. Those who experience discrimination can seek relief by filing a complaint or pursuing legal action in state courts.
Supporters argue that cannabis industry workers deserve the same financial opportunities as those in other legal industries.
If passed, Maine would become one of the only states to pass legislation protecting cannabis workers from financial discrimination.
