Without access to traditional banking, marijuana businesses don’t have a place to deposit their money, increasing the risk of criminal activity and preventing the tracking of financial data.

The move is intended to shore up political support for implementing recreational marijuana rules, but advocates say it ignores the will of Maine voters.

At a hearing in Augusta, lawmakers hear several ideas for containing big caregiver operations while leaving small operators alone.

But U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank acknowledges that drug possession cases ‘have not been a priority.’

After being at odds for years, the groups offer a proposal that would favor medical marijuana providers, prohibit social clubs for 3 years and tax pot at 17.5 percent.

The tax-break program for businesses is set to end this year, but a pending bill would extend it to 2023, despite a legislative report raising concerns about a lack of accountability.