What Led to the House Vote on Marijuana Legalization?
On December 4th, 2020, the United States House of Representatives passed a historic bill that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, introduced by Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, would remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances and expunge certain marijuana-related convictions. The bill would also establish a trust fund to support communities that have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.
The MORE Act’s passage in the House is the first time that a bill to legalize marijuana has been approved by either chamber of Congress. However, the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where it is unlikely to receive a vote before the end of the current session.
What Does the MORE Act Actually Do?
The MORE Act is a comprehensive bill that would not only decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, but would also provide a path for states to legalize marijuana without fear of federal intervention. The bill would:
- Remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
- Allow states to establish their own marijuana policies without interference from the federal government.
- Expunge certain marijuana-related convictions and provide resentencing opportunities for those still serving sentences for certain marijuana-related offenses.
- Provide for the assessment of a 5% tax on marijuana products, with revenue going to the Opportunity Trust Fund.
- Allocate funds for small business loans to individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged or who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.
The MORE Act would also establish a Community Reinvestment Grant Program to provide services to individuals adversely affected by the war on drugs, such as job training, legal aid, and support for substance abuse treatment.
What Are the Arguments For and Against Marijuana Legalization?
There are many arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana, and the debate is as old as the drug itself. Here are some of the most commonly cited arguments:
Arguments For Marijuana Legalization:
- Social Justice: Marijuana prohibition has disproportionately affected communities of color, and the war on drugs has resulted in the mass incarceration of people of color. Legalization would help to address these injustices.
- Public Health: Legalization would allow for regulation of the marijuana industry, which would make it safer for consumers. It would also allow for better research into the medicinal properties of marijuana.
- Economic Benefits: Legalization would create jobs and generate revenue for state and federal governments.
Arguments Against Marijuana Legalization:
- Public Health: Marijuana use can have negative health effects, and legalization could lead to increased use and abuse.
- Drug Trafficking: Legalization could lead to an increase in drug trafficking, as drug cartels could still sell marijuana in states where it is illegal.
- Social Costs: Legalization could lead to increased social costs, such as increased crime and impaired driving.
What’s Next for the MORE Act?
The MORE Act’s passage in the House is a significant milestone, but the bill is unlikely to become law anytime soon. The Senate is unlikely to take up the bill before the end of the current session, and even if it did, it is unclear whether it would pass.
However, the passage of the MORE Act in the House is a sign of changing attitudes towards marijuana legalization in the United States. More and more states have been legalizing marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes, and public opinion on the issue is shifting. It is possible that the passage of the MORE Act could help to spur further action on marijuana legalization in the future.
Conclusion
The House vote on the MORE Act is a historic moment in the fight to end marijuana prohibition in the United States. While the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, its passage in the House is a sign of changing attitudes towards marijuana legalization. The MORE Act would not only decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, but would also provide a path for states to legalize marijuana without fear of federal intervention. The bill’s passage would also provide a measure of social justice by expunging certain marijuana-related convictions and providing support for individuals adversely affected by the war on drugs. Whether or not the MORE Act becomes law, its passage in the House is a significant milestone in the fight for marijuana legalization in the United States.
