House lawmakers have reintroduced a bipartisan bill that aims to expunge cannabis-related convictions and provide relief to those who have been negatively impacted by the war on drugs. The bill, known as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, was first introduced in 2019 but failed to pass in the Senate.
The MORE Act would remove cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and allow states to set their own cannabis policies. It would also establish a 5% tax on cannabis products, with the revenue going towards programs that support individuals and communities affected by the war on drugs.
One of the key provisions of the MORE Act is the expungement of cannabis-related convictions. This means that individuals with prior convictions for cannabis offenses would have their records cleared, allowing them to access employment, housing, and other opportunities that may have been previously unavailable to them.
The bill has received support from both Democrats and Republicans, with co-sponsors including Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Don Young (R-AK), and Tom McClintock (R-CA). In a statement, Rep. Lee emphasized the importance of addressing the harms caused by the war on drugs:
“For far too long, our federal cannabis policies have been rooted in the past. As we work to build a more equitable and just cannabis industry, it’s important that we also address the harms caused by decades of failed drug policies. The MORE Act is a critical step towards righting these wrongs and ensuring that all Americans have access to the opportunities they deserve.”
The reintroduction of the MORE Act comes at a time when cannabis reform is gaining momentum at both the state and federal levels. In recent years, several states have legalized cannabis for adult use, and a growing number of lawmakers are calling for an end to federal prohibition.
While it remains to be seen whether the MORE Act will pass in the current Congress, its reintroduction is a positive step towards addressing the harms caused by the war on drugs and creating a more equitable cannabis industry. As Rep. Blumenauer noted in a statement:
“The MORE Act is the most comprehensive cannabis reform bill ever introduced in Congress. This legislation will help end the failed policy of cannabis prohibition and bring justice to those who have been harmed by it.”
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