Cannabis stocks were mostly higher this week, with some of the largest cannabis companies reporting earnings and a U.S Congressional hearing regarding the difficulties cannabis companies encounter opening and/or maintaining bank accounts hindering the development of the cannabis sector for 47 states, and District of Columbia, that have legalized cannabis for medicinal and/or recreational use. “The absence of a broader, permanent regulatory framework continues to keep nearly all banks out of this growing industry despite a clear interest,” Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), chair of the subcommittee. “Today’s hearing will allow us to begin consideration of draft legislation to bring transparency.” While Canada may have first-mover advantage after nationally legalizing adult-use recreational cannabis in October, the United States presently holds the largest market share. Combined, the North American legal cannabis market hit $12 billion last year, and analysts forecast that the market will reach $25.5 billion by 2021, according to a report by Cannabis Business Plan. As the cannabis sector continues to harvest increased public and government approval, investors may be increasingly looking to cannabis stocks.Click Here For Marijuana Stocks In Focus This Week