The MORE Act would remove cannabis from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, federally decriminalizing the substance while allowing states to set their own polices relating to cannabis. The bill expunges non-violent federal cannabis offenses, removes cannabis offenses from the list of deportable offenses, and blocks federal agencies from denying public benefits because of cannabis use. The bill also focuses on reinvestment into communities impacted by the War on Drugs by establishing a Cannabis Justice Office to oversee grants and funds. This office, and the trust fund it oversees is funded by a graduated excise tax that starts at 5% in the first year after passage, which ultimately graduates to 8%. After year six products would be taxed either by weight or by THC content, rather than price. All excise tax revenue goes to reparative justice efforts rather than the Treasury’s General fund.
The bill is scheduled for a floor vote on Friday (exact timing is currently fluid), but the rule for this bill limits debate to one hour with no amendments. Despite Republican opposition, this bill is likely to pass along party lines, with the possibility of a few Republicans joining the yes vote, though at least one Democrat (Connor Lamb, PA) has criticized the timing and scheduling of this vote in light of the government funding and COVID relief debate. This bill will not be taken up by the Senate this Congress.
David Mangone
Director of Policy
The Liaison Group
[email protected]