On Wednesday, November 20th,2019, the house judiciary committee approved a bill that would legalize marijuana on the federal level. The legislation, House Bill 3884:The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, passed 24 to 10 meaning it has a high chance of approval in the full house where democrats have the control of the chamber with 234 seats.
The MORE Act removes marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act, enabling states to enact their own cannabis regulations free from federal interference. The vote marks the first time in history that members of Congress have ever voted to federally deschedule cannabis. To date, 33 states have enacted laws regulating patients’ access to medical cannabis and nearly one in four Americans reside in a state where the adult use of marijuana is permitted. This act is the most comprehensive marijuana reform bill ever introduced in Congress, and it’s backed by a broad coalition of civil rights, criminal justice, drug policy, and immigration groups.
This legislation seeks to address the millions of Americans who suffer from the stigma and lost opportunities associated with a low-level marijuana possession conviction. It provides funding and inducements to states to enact policies that expunge these criminal convictions from citizens’ records so that they can more successfully move on with their lives. “The criminalization of marijuana has been a mistake,” Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., said during the markup of the bill. “The racial disparity in marijuana enforcement laws only compounded this mistake with serious consequences, particularly for minority communities.” It also seeks to assist America’s military veterans by, for the first time, permitting physicians associated with the Veterans Administration the authority to recommend medical cannabis therapy to patients who reside in legal marijuana states.
Not only does this bill reverse the failed prohibition of cannabis, but it also provides pathways for opportunity and ownership in the emerging industry for those who have suffered the most under federal criminalization.
When the House passes a bill, it’s part of a continuing process. It’s not the end of a process but with the majority of Americans supporting the legalization of marijuana, and (according to Congress.gov Beckers)the bill having more than 50 co-sponsors, including presidential contender Sen. Kamala Harris. there is a good chance for the bill to go through to the senate.
Green Queen 
Leave a comment