Full Breakdown
Comprehensive Marijuana Reform: The Reintroduction of the MORE Act
8/30/2025, 12:21:23 PM
Overview of the MORE Act
On August 29, 2025, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), alongside Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation aims to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act, thereby allowing states to regulate cannabis without federal interference. The MORE Act also seeks to address the historical injustices caused by the War on Drugs, particularly those affecting communities of color and low-income individuals.
Key Provisions of the MORE Act
The MORE Act includes several significant provisions:
- Decriminalization: It removes marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, enabling states to set their own cannabis policies.
- Expungement: The bill mandates federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions and allows individuals to request resentencing hearings.
- Taxation and Reinvestment: A 5% sales tax on marijuana products would fund an Opportunity Trust Fund, which supports community reinvestment initiatives, including job training and legal aid for those adversely affected by drug policies.
- Small Business Support: The legislation opens up Small Business Administration funding for cannabis-related businesses and prohibits discrimination based on marijuana use or prior convictions.
Support and Advocacy
The MORE Act has garnered support from a broad coalition of civil rights and drug policy reform organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Drug Policy Alliance, and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). Advocates argue that the bill is essential for achieving equity and justice in cannabis policy. "Millions of Americans continue to suffer the consequences of the failed war on drugs," stated Akua Amaning, Director for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center for American Progress, emphasizing the need for meaningful pathways to justice.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite its support, the MORE Act faces opposition, particularly from some Republican lawmakers. A group of nine GOP representatives, led by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), urged the Trump administration to reject any proposal to reschedule cannabis, arguing that it would send a harmful message about marijuana's safety. They contend that rescheduling could benefit illegal operations and undermine efforts to combat drug abuse. Critics assert that marijuana still poses risks and should remain classified as a Schedule I substance.
What's Next?
The reintroduction of the MORE Act comes amid ongoing discussions about cannabis rescheduling under the Trump administration. President Trump has indicated he will make a decision on whether to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, a move that could have significant implications for the cannabis industry. However, advocates stress that full legalization, as proposed in the MORE Act, is necessary to fully address the harms of prohibition and ensure equitable access to the cannabis market.
Conclusion
The MORE Act represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over cannabis reform in the United States. As public support for legalization continues to grow, the legislation aims to align federal laws with the evolving landscape of state-level cannabis policies while addressing the injustices of past drug laws. The path forward remains uncertain, but the push for comprehensive reform is gaining momentum.
