The effects of POCA on the growth and innovation of the cannabis industry

The cannabis industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a variety of new products being developed and sold across the UK. However, one law that has had a significant impact on the industry is the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). This law has been designed to prevent money laundering and to target criminal organisations, but it has had unintended consequences on the cannabis industry.

In this article, we will explore the effects of POCA on the growth and innovation of the cannabis products space in the UK, and what the future could look like with deregulation.

What is the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002?

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) is a UK law that was introduced to target money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The law provides law enforcement agencies with the power to seize and confiscate any property, including cash, that is believed to be the proceeds of crime. While the law was designed to target criminal organisations, it has had an unintended impact on the cannabis industry.

The Impact of POCA on the Cannabis Industry

Under POCA, any money generated from the sale of cannabis products is considered the proceeds of crime. This means that banks and financial institutions are reluctant to work with cannabis businesses, as they risk being charged with money laundering. As a result, many cannabis businesses are forced to operate on a cash-only basis, which makes it difficult for them to access the financial services they need to grow and innovate.

In addition, the fear of being charged with money laundering means that many businesses in the cannabis industry are hesitant to invest in research and development. This has led to a lack of innovation in the industry, as businesses are reluctant to invest in new products and technologies.

Recent Changes and Studies

Despite the challenges posed by POCA, there have been some recent changes and studies that support the use of cannabis products. In November 2018, the UK government legalised the use of medical cannabis, which has opened new opportunities for businesses in the industry. In addition, a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry in March 2019 found that medical cannabis can reduce anxiety and depression in some people.

High Hopes – Looking Forward to the Future

While POCA has had a significant impact on the growth and innovation of the cannabis industry in the UK, there is hope that deregulation could lead to a brighter future. If cannabis were to be legalised and regulated in the same way as alcohol or tobacco, it would open new opportunities for businesses in the industry. Banks and financial institutions would be more willing to work with cannabis businesses, and businesses would be more likely to invest in research and development. This could lead to new and innovative products that could help to improve people’s lives.

As a payments company providing payment technology and services, it is important that we and our customers remain vigilant against inadvertently breaking POCA. Elorn helps support our customers by providing education and resources on how to comply with the law, such as implementing anti-money laundering measures and ensuring proper due diligence when onboarding new customers. We also provide secure and reliable payment solutions that comply with financial regulations, giving our customers peace of mind when conducting business in the cannabis industry. By working together to stay compliant with financial regulations, we can help ensure the growth and success of the cannabis industry while also protecting against criminal activity.

In conclusion, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has had a significant impact on the growth and innovation of the cannabis products space in the UK. However, recent changes and studies suggest that there is growing support for the use of cannabis products, and there is hope that deregulation could lead to a brighter future for the industry. By working together, businesses and regulators can help to create a safe and sustainable industry that benefits everyone.