The Green Sheet Online Edition
January 1, 2025 • 25:01:02
Letter from the editor
The cannabis industry, long mired in legal and financial uncertainty, continues to face significant hurdles despite growing public support for reform. As our lead article highlights, the recent cancellation of a DEA hearing on marijuana reclassification underscores the complexities of federal regulatory processes and the challenges in aligning state and federal policies. Beyond reclassification, financial institutions remain hesitant to engage with cannabis businesses due to stringent regulations and potential legal risks.
This issue's lead feature delves into the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation, banking obstacles and innovative payment solutions aiming to bridge the gap. With billions in untapped potential and an industry largely operating on cash, the path forward depends on collaborative efforts to address regulatory and logistical barriers.
Always hurdles to overcome in the payments sphere, and our contributing writers offer insights on how to surmount challenges in many areas of the industry, including: how MLSs can thrive in a digital-first payments world with better branding, smart networking and reinvestment for success in 2025; ways in which Bitcoin ATMs are bridging traditional banking and crypto transactions; how payment professionals can overcome multiple challenges by taking advantage of innovations, effective use of AI and open banking services; top marketing strategies in 2025, from leveraging omnichannel payments to fostering trust with tailored messaging, and more; how integrating well-designed signage with advanced payment systems helps gas stations attract business, enhance the customer experience and boost sales; the use of standardized trays to streamline cash logistics and enable efficient, secure transportation and processing; how business lines of credit paired with payment cards empower SMBs with real-time capital access, enhancing growth opportunities while offering revenue and retention benefits.
In addition to profiles and updates on recent company and industry milestones, news stories highlighted herein include reporting on 2024 year-end holiday spending growth; the CFPB's suit against Walmart and Branch for allegedly extracting over $10 million in fees from gig workers; X's plans for X Payments, which aims to merge ecommerce and payments but raises regulatory and ethical concerns; a 94 percent increase in RTP transaction value, driven by FI participation and instant payments growth; and CFPB research revealing that subprime borrowers are the primary users of BNPL loans, raising financial stability concerns.
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Whether you want to upgrade your POS offerings, find a payment gateway partner, bone up on fintech regs or PCI requirements, find an upcoming trade show, read about faster payments, or discover the latest innovations in merchant acquiring, The Green Sheet is the resource for you. Since 1983, we've helped empower and connect payments professionals, starting with the merchant level salespeople who bring tailored payment acceptance and digital commerce tools, along with a host of other business services to merchants across the globe. The Green Sheet Inc. is also a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals.
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