The MORE Act of 2024. Our take on Marijuana Reform.

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) was proposed by Representative Jerrold Nadler from New York ¹. Recently, it gained attention again when the U.S. House of Representatives passed it on a vote of 220 to 204. This bill aims to decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. As we can see, it’s a significant piece of legislation related to cannabis in the United States.

Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Decriminalization and Descheduling

The MORE Act aims to decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that the federal government would no longer penalize individuals for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing marijuana¹.

Equity and Community Reinvestment

A central aspect of the MORE Act is addressing past injustices caused by the war on drugs. It proposes to establish a trust fund to support programs for individuals and businesses in communities disproportionately affected by drug enforcement policies².

(AP Photo/John Locher)

Taxation and Revenue

The Act introduces an excise tax on cannabis products produced in or imported into the U.S., as well as an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities. The revenue generated would support the Act’s initiatives².

Small Business Support

The MORE Act would make Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and services available to cannabis-related legitimate businesses, acknowledging the economic potential of the industry².

Protection of Federal Benefits

Under the MORE Act, individuals would not be denied federal public benefits based on certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions, ensuring equal access to essential services².

Immigration Protections

The Act protects individuals from being penalized under immigration laws for events related to the possession or use of cannabis that is no longer prohibited².

Expungement and Sentencing Review

The MORE Act establishes a process for expunging convictions and conducting sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses, aiming to correct past injustices².

What are the arguments For and Against the MORE Act of 2024

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2024 has sparked a significant debate in the United States. Here are some of the main arguments for and against the Act:

Arguments For the MORE Act

• Decriminalization: Proponents argue that removing cannabis from the list of scheduled substances would correct historical injustices, as the criminalization of marijuana has disproportionately affected minority communities¹.
• Economic Growth: Legalizing cannabis could stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and generating tax revenue that can be reinvested in communities¹.
• Medical Access: Supporters believe that federal legalization would improve access to medical marijuana for patients who rely on it for treatment¹.
• Regulatory Clarity: The Act would provide clear federal guidelines that could help standardize regulations across states, benefiting both consumers and businesses¹.

Arguments Against the MORE Act

• Public Health Concerns: Critics worry that legalization could lead to increased marijuana use, potentially leading to public health issues, particularly among young people.
• Regulatory Challenges: There are concerns about the challenges of implementing a new regulatory framework and ensuring that it is enforced fairly and effectively.
• Impact on Law Enforcement: Some argue that decriminalization could complicate law enforcement efforts to address drug-related crimes.
• Workplace Safety: Opponents also raise concerns about workplace safety, particularly in jobs that require high levels of concentration and coordination.

It’s important to note that these arguments reflect a range of opinions, and the debate is ongoing.

Christina Animashaun/Vox

What are some potential unintended consequences of the MORE Act of 2024

Economic Displacement

The transition from an illegal to a legal market could result in the displacement of workers and businesses that operated in the informal economy. This might lead to job losses if they cannot adapt to the new legal framework¹.

Market Saturation

The legalization could lead to a surge in new businesses entering the cannabis market, potentially resulting in market saturation, increased competition, and possibly a decrease in product quality².

Regulatory Complexity

The comprehensive regulatory system required for cannabis could become complex and burdensome, leading to inconsistencies in enforcement and confusion among businesses and consumers³.

Impact on Medical Use

The focus on recreational use could overshadow the medical cannabis industry, affecting research, development, and accessibility of cannabis for medical purposes⁴.

Substance Abuse

There is a concern that legalization could lead to an increase in cannabis use and possibly abuse, particularly among younger populations⁵.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Decriminalization may pose challenges for law enforcement in distinguishing between legal and illegal activities, especially in the initial stages of implementation⁶.

These are potential outcomes based on current discussions and analyses surrounding the MORE Act of 2024. The actual consequences will depend on various factors, including how the legislation is implemented and regulated.