The attorney general of Michigan says that a string of break-ins at marijuana dispensaries in the state underscore the need for Congress to pass cannabis banking reform.

Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) said that 12 warrants have been issued for people suspected of being involved in breaking into 20 marijuana retailers last year. Their charges range from safe breaking (a felony that can carry a life sentence) to breaking and entering (a 10-year felony).

As pressure builds on congressional lawmakers to pass cannabis banking reform, the state’s top law enforcement official said that the alleged criminal activity is “an unfortunate example of why Congress must pass the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act.”

“Without access to traditional banking the cannabis industry is left as a ripe target for criminals,” she said. “Any legal business should have fair access to our banking institutions for the security of their own business and employees as well as public safety.”

Supporters of the SAFE Banking Act have long argued that enacting the policy change would serve a public safety interest, allowing state-legal marijuana businesses to access traditional financial services, without having to operate on a largely cash-only basis.

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