This episode covers the status of PotCoin, the regulatory environment for cannabis and cryptocurrency, and the ongoing race for major retailers to accept digital currencies.
Main Topics Discussed:
* PotCoin Progress: The PotCoin team attended the American Glass Expo, expanding the marketplace and distributing preloaded cards. The speaker remains optimistic that increased online merchant acceptance suggests real spending of PotCoin.
* Banking Regulations: Discussion of a US House bill preventing federal punishment of banks for dealing with legal dispensaries. However, the speaker remains highly skeptical due to the ongoing DOJ "Operation Chokepoint."
* NYC Crypto Licensing: Criticism of New York's new crypto licensing proposals, arguing they are unnecessary, stifle innovation, and should be applied to traditional fiat banks instead.
* Bitcoin Adoption: Noting that Dell is now a major company accepting Bitcoin, fueling speculation that Amazon will be next.
* Altcoin Auctions: Highlighting the growth of altcoin auction sites, which now include PotCoin.
Key Quotes:
1. "Operation chokepoint is one of the most dangerous programs I've experienced in my 45 years of service..." (William M. Isaac)
2. "A person no one elected is creating laws no one asked for to prevent problems that don't exist." (Bruce Fenton)
3. "The government violates more laws than any individual ever could, even given multiple lifetimes, and they are not accountable for their actions."
People Mentioned:
William M. Isaac, Ben Loskey, Michael Krieger, Bruce Fenton, Michael Dell.
Bitcoin Price:
Not mentioned. (PotCoin was trading between 15 and 16 micro bits).