Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act; MORE Act
Summary
The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act aims to decriminalize and deschedule cannabis at the federal level. It provides for reinvestment in communities adversely affected by the War on Drugs and expungement of certain cannabis offenses. The bill also establishes a tax on cannabis products to fund an Opportunity Trust Fund.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the MORE Act would remove cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances, allowing states to regulate cannabis without federal interference. It would also create new programs for reinvestment in communities harmed by past drug policies and provide opportunities for individuals with cannabis convictions to have their records expunged. This could lead to significant changes in the cannabis industry, criminal justice, and social equity.
Potential Benefits
- Federal decriminalization of cannabis, allowing states to set their own policies.
- Expungement of federal cannabis offenses, providing a clean slate for individuals with prior convictions.
- Reinvestment in communities most affected by the War on Drugs through grant programs.
- Increased access to Small Business Administration programs and services for cannabis-related businesses.
- Reduced costs associated with enforcing federal cannabis prohibition.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased cannabis use and related health issues.
- Challenges in regulating the cannabis industry and ensuring product safety.
- Concerns about the impact of cannabis legalization on public safety, such as impaired driving.
- Possible conflicts between federal and state laws regarding cannabis.
- The tax structure may create unintended economic consequences.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The MORE Act's decriminalization of cannabis and allowing states to regulate it aligns with the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. The bill's provisions for expungement and reinvestment also touch on principles of justice and equal protection, although these are more broadly interpreted through the Fourteenth Amendment. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could be invoked to justify federal regulation of interstate cannabis commerce, but the bill leans towards state autonomy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).