The Farm Bill's recent passing gives a green light for products to include hemp extracts. The legalization of hemp couldn’t come at a better time, as functional beverages—especially those deriving their benefits from plant sources—are rising in popularity.

At first glance, navigating the current state of banking across the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. can often raise more questions than answers.

On October 17, 2018, Canada nationally legalized medical and recreational cannabis use for adults. In doing so, that country has set the stage for significant R&D of legal cannabis edibles and beverages—often with the help of U.S. investors.

CBD holds massive potential across every area of food and beverages. According to The Brightfield Group, the U.S. hemp-derived CBD market could hit $22 billion by 2022.

Many members of the traditional food and beverage industry—in both manufacturing and from the supply chain—have been reluctant to enter the market due to incongruences related to federal vs. state legal status, the unfamiliarity of the territory, restrictive banking options for legal cannabis businesses, limits imposed on advertising and social media, and other hurdles.