A leading pro-marijuana lawmaker predicted Friday that the U.S. House of Representatives will approve cannabis banking reform and a committee will look at marijuana rescheduling later this year.

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, an Oregon Democrat and a longtime champion of marijuana issues, made his remarks at his annual media teleconference in advance of the unofficial 4/20 holiday. During the 25-minute discussion, Blumenauer:Predicted the full House will overwhelmingly pass the SAFE Banking Act, perhaps later this spring. The banking bill would provide federal protections to financial institutions and insurance companies that serve state-legal cannabis businesses and ancillary companies.

Predicted the full House will overwhelmingly pass the SAFE Banking Act, perhaps later this spring. The banking bill would provide federal protections to financial institutions and insurance companies that serve state-legal cannabis businesses and ancillary companies.

Said he anticipates the House Judiciary Committee will look at possible rescheduling of marijuana sometime this summer. He attributed the information to a conversation with Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler, a New York Democrat.

Expressed optimism that movement will occur in legislation granting military veterans access to medical marijuana.

Noted increases in support for cannabis even in the Republican-controlled Senate.