Ease banking restrictions on pot industry

Federal law that makes it difficult for the marijuana industry to access the banking system should be rethought. That’s the message from members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, which has sent a letter to officials at the U.S. Treasury and Justice departments.
 
At issue is the Banking Secrecy Act of 1970, which determines how banks must handle and report transactions thought to have derived from illegal activity. Sales of medical marijuana have been legal in Colorado since 2000, and about 20 other states also allow medical marijuana. As of Jan. 1, recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, and…