The MORE Act: Everything You Need to Know (May 2024)

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, commonly known as the MORE Act, represents a landmark piece of legislation introduced in the House in September 2023. With a primary goal of achieving full federal cannabis legalization, the MORE Act is designed to bring about sweeping changes to the existing legal framework surrounding marijuana, placing particular emphasis on equity provisions, expungement for certain cannabis offenses, and a community reinvestment program. As of now, the bill has been introduced but has yet to pass through the committee stage.

Key Provisions

Decriminalization and Descheduling:

The MORE Act proposes to decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. This fundamental change eliminates criminal penalties for individuals involved in the manufacturing, distribution, or possession of marijuana.

Language and Demographic Reporting

The bill seeks to replace statutory references to marijuana and marihuana with the term “cannabis.” Additionally, it mandates the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly publish demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees, promoting transparency in the industry.

Equity and Community Reinvestment

One of the cornerstone features of the MORE Act is its commitment to equity. The legislation establishes a trust fund to support various programs and services for individuals and businesses in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. This represents a vital step towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering inclusivity within the cannabis industry.

Taxation Measures

The MORE Act proposes an excise tax on cannabis products produced in or imported into the United States. Furthermore, an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities and export warehouses is introduced, generating revenue to support the bill's comprehensive initiatives.

Access to Small Business Administration (SBA) Services

In a move to support cannabis-related legitimate businesses and service providers, the MORE Act opens the door to Small Business Administration loans and services for eligible entities, recognizing the economic potential of the cannabis industry.

Protection of Federal Benefits

The bill prohibits the denial of federal public benefits to individuals based on certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions. This provision is a critical step towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal access to essential services.

Immigration Protections

The MORE Act safeguards benefits and protections under immigration laws, ensuring that individuals are not penalized based on events related to the possession or use of cannabis that is no longer prohibited under the bill.

Expungement and Sentencing Review

The MORE Act establishes a comprehensive process for expunging convictions and conducting sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses. This addresses the need for rectifying past injustices and facilitating a fair and just legal system.

Societal Impact Study

Aiming for a thorough understanding of the consequences of cannabis legalization, the MORE Act directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the societal impact of such legalization. This research is expected to inform future policy decisions and ensure an evidence-based approach to cannabis regulation.

Conclusion

The MORE Act stands as a comprehensive and progressive piece of legislation that goes beyond mere decriminalization. With its focus on equity, community reinvestment, taxation, and protection of rights, the MORE Act holds the potential to reshape the landscape of the cannabis industry, addressing historical injustices and creating a more inclusive and fair system for all stakeholders. As the bill navigates through the legislative process, its impact on the future of cannabis legalization in the United States remains a topic of great significance and anticipation.

Image Credit: Eric Haynes

Details of the MORE Act can be accessed here.