Vicente LLP Attorney Shawn Hauser Contributes to the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025

Aug 28, 2025

Vicente LLP contributed to the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025, a landmark publication that captures the insights, frameworks, and actionable recommendations from this year’s Summit in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by Artemis Growth Partners, the event convened leaders from 18 countries and multiple international organizations, uniting policymakers, regulators, academics, investors, operators, and advocates. Over three days, participants forged connections and delivered evidence-based recommendations that now form part of the White Paper’s collective vision for a safer, more transparent, and effective global cannabis market.

Shawn Hauser on Global Cannabis Reform and Banking Access Issues

Vicente partner Shawn Hauser, co-chair of our Hemp & Cannabinoids practice, was a featured speaker on the panel “From Policy Idea to Program Implementation: Overcoming Legal, Financial, and Political Barriers to Unlock Global Cannabis Reform.”

While 39 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis in some form, cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. In her remarks, Shawn examined one of the most pressing issues in cannabis regulation today: the financial and regulatory disconnect between federal and state cannabis policy in the United States. This conflict creates significant challenges for businesses seeking banking access, investment, and long-term compliance.

As Shawn explained:

“Even in states with legal frameworks, and despite federal FinCEN guidance authorizing banks to service state-legal businesses, banks must file numerous Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and remain reluctant to serve cannabis-related businesses.”
This disconnect stifles investment, forces many cannabis businesses to operate on a cash-only basis, and undermines transparency, patient safety, and market stability.

Her remarks were part of a broader international discussion alongside leaders such as Tenacious Labs CEO Nick Morland and former UK Minister Sir Mike Penning, who highlighted similar challenges in the UK’s financial and medical cannabis frameworks.

Proposed Solutions

The panel’s recommendations, now reflected in the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025, included:

Targeted legislative amendments, such as adjustments to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) in the U.K. and passage of the SAFER Banking Act in the U.S.
Harmonized international quality standards for medical cannabis products
Standardized compliance frameworks for financial institutions, similar to checklists used in the alcohol industry, to reduce risk and increase transparency.

Vicente LLP is honored to collaborate alongside the regulators, policymakers, and global leaders whose contributions shaped this year’s White Paper. Together, we are helping to build a safer, smarter, and more effective international cannabis regulatory environment.

Download the Global Cannabis Regulatory Summit White Paper Book 2025 here.