Bank accounts keep getting shut down
In some cases, we’re not at all surprised!
I despair! How many times must we reiterate the basics? “No b****y wonder bank accounts are getting shut down left, right, and centre”. The issue isn't just about your company name or whether it screams "cannabis." It's also about what you're showcasing on your website. And guess what? Banks aren't oblivious to this.
Banks Are Watching
Here's the reality: banks routinely sweep the internet with advanced image searches, looking for red flags associated with their customers. Among these red flags are images of cannabis flowers and hash—the kind of images that make compliance officers sit up, take notice, and hit the panic button. They’re not taking chances. If they find you advertising products that can only be described as illegal under current UK law, they will shut you down. No questions asked.
Let’s Be Clear: CBD Leaf Is Still Illegal
Yes, that's right. CBD leaf remains illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It’s shocking how many businesses continue to display imagery that directly contradicts the law. This kind of blatant disregard not only jeopardizes your business but tarnishes the reputation of the entire industry. If we can't get the basics right, how can we expect regulators and the public to take us seriously?
Proceeds of Crime Act: The Next Nail in the Coffin
Here’s where it gets even more serious. Displaying illegal products on your website opens you up to scrutiny under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA). If there’s even a hint that you might be earning revenue from the sale of illegal goods, your assets can be frozen, your operations halted, and your business reputation shattered. All because someone thought it was a good idea to slap a picture of a cannabis buds on their homepage.
A Lack of Enforcement and Clarity Isn’t an Excuse
Yes, enforcement has been patchy, and the law can be as clear as mud. But believe me—if it looks illegal, it will be treated as illegal. This extends beyond just your website. It affects your bank accounts, card payment providers, and insurance brokers. These institutions operate under strict compliance frameworks, and any whiff of illegality will result in swift and decisive action against your business.
What Needs to Change
The cannabis and CBD industry needs to wake up and act like the legitimate sector we claim to be:
- Audit Your Website: Remove any images or references that could be misconstrued as illegal. When in doubt, leave it out.
- Understand the Law: Familiarize yourself with the Misuse of Drugs Act and Proceeds of Crime Act. Ignorance isn’t just unprofessional; it’s a liability, and it’s down to you!
- Educate Your Team: Ensure everyone in your company, from marketing to sales, understands the legal parameters we operate within.
- Engage Experts: Consult with compliance professionals who can guide you in presenting your brand in a way that aligns with both legal and banking standards.
The Bigger Picture
We’re all in this together. When one company acts recklessly, it impacts everyone else in the industry. We need to move beyond the Wild West days of cannabis marketing and start behaving like the responsible, forward-thinking businesses we aspire to be. That means understanding the stakes, playing by the rules, and holding each other accountable.
Enough is enough. It’s time to clean up our act—before the banks do it for us.
Published: 28th February 2025
