MORE Act (H.R. 5068)

Summary

Removes cannabis from the list of federally controlled drugs, clears past offenses, and uses a new tax to help communities hurt by old drug laws.

What problem does this solve?

For decades, the federal ban on cannabis has led to many arrests, especially in communities of color, and has cost taxpayers billions. This bill ends the federal ban, clears criminal records for cannabis offenses, and uses a new tax on cannabis sales to fund programs that help affected people and communities.

What does this bill do?

Removes cannabis from the list of controlled substances

Takes cannabis (marijuana) off the federal list of illegal drugs, making it legal at the federal level. The Attorney General has 180 days to make this official.

Establishes a federal tax on cannabis products

Creates a new tax on cannabis products made in or brought into the U.S. The tax starts at 5% of the sales price and increases to 8% over five years.

Creates an Opportunity Trust Fund for reinvestment

Uses money from the new cannabis tax to create a trust fund. This money will pay for programs to help communities and individuals harmed by the War on Drugs.

Expunges federal cannabis convictions

Requires federal courts to clear, or expunge, past non-violent federal cannabis convictions. People currently serving sentences can ask for a review and may have their sentences reduced or cleared.

Funds community and substance use disorder services

Sets up the Community Reinvestment Grant Program to fund job training, legal aid, and youth programs in communities hurt by the War on Drugs. It also funds substance use treatment services.

Makes cannabis businesses eligible for small business loans

Allows legal cannabis businesses to get loans and help from the Small Business Administration (SBA), which they currently cannot access.

Protects immigrants from negative consequences

Ensures that using or possessing cannabis will not be a reason to deny someone immigration benefits or protection under the law.

Prevents denial of federal benefits

Prohibits the government from denying federal benefits, like student loans or housing assistance, to people because they use or possess cannabis or have a past cannabis conviction.

Collects data on the cannabis industry

Requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to gather and publish data about the demographics of cannabis business owners and employees, including race, sex, and veteran status.

Allows continued drug testing for federal employees

Specifies that federal agencies can still include marijuana in drug tests for federal employees, even though it will be decriminalized.

Who does this affect?

Individuals with federal cannabis convictions
Cannabis business owners and employees
Communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs

What is the real world impact?

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Addresses racial injustice from the War on Drugs

Aims to correct past harms by clearing criminal records and investing in communities of color that were disproportionately arrested for cannabis offenses.

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Creates a legal and taxable cannabis market

Establishes a federal tax on cannabis products, creating a new stream of government revenue that will be used to fund social programs and support small businesses in the industry.

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Maintains some federal oversight

Allows federal agencies to continue drug testing for federal employees and transportation workers, showing a cautious approach to full legalization that may not satisfy all advocates.

When does this start?

The bill's different parts would start at different times, with most major changes, like new taxes and rules, taking effect within a year.

Descheduling Rulemaking

The Attorney General must finish creating rules to remove cannabis from the list of controlled substances within 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Cannabis Tax

The new federal tax on cannabis products will begin 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Expungement Review

Federal courts must review and clear all eligible non-violent federal cannabis convictions within one year of the bill becoming law.

Agency Rulemaking

Key government agencies, like the Department of Justice and Small Business Administration, must create the necessary rules to put this law into action within one year.