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PODCAST: The legal marijuana industry’s banking problem

Banks are reluctant — or, in most cases unwilling, — to do business with the marijuana industry. Railroads are shipping less coal, while they're sending packed supply trains to the oil fracking fields of North Dakota. And, less than five months before Brazil's World Cup kicks off, 6 out of 12 venues are still unfinished.

Several states have legalized marijuana, even though the federal government still considers it an illegal drug. Well, a problem is banks are reluctant — in most cases unwilling — to do business with the marijuana industry.

When you think of the 21st century American economy, your mind no doubt flips to things digital and mobile. But corporate earnings out this week were a good reminder that an industry that sounds more 19th century is key to the modern economy as well — railroads.   

Less than five months before Brazil’s World Cup kicks off, 6 out of 12 venues are still unfinished — including a complex in the northern city of Manaus, where construction workers have died and pay for laborers is an issue.

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