The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act has emerged as the most significant cannabis measure currently active in the United States Congress. Here’s an overview of what the legislation would accomplish.
Backed by 57 sponsors, the MORE Act has over 40 more supporters than any other marijuana-related proposal, regardless of whether those measures favor or oppose legalization. The legislation would remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act, provide for the expungement of prior marijuana convictions, and create federal protections for marijuana consumers.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the MORE Act, along with its complete text.
The MORE Act: Key Provisions
At its core, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act would end federal marijuana prohibition by removing cannabis and THC from the Controlled Substances Act (aka full decriminalization). This change would deschedule marijuana nationwide, making it no longer a federally controlled substance, while leaving states free to regulate it as they choose.
Beyond descheduling, the legislation mandates the expungement of prior cannabis-related convictions and requires resentencing hearings for those still incarcerated on such charges. It also specifies protections for non-citizens, noting that simple possession or use of marijuana should not be grounds for denial of immigration benefits or deportation.
Equity and Economic Justice
A central component of the bill is its emphasis on repairing harm caused by decades of prohibition. The MORE Act establishes an Opportunity Trust Fund, financed through a federal excise tax on marijuana products that begins at 5% and gradually increases to 8%. Revenue collected would be distributed toward three primary areas:
- Community reinvestment programs to support job training, reentry services, legal aid, literacy programs, and youth initiatives in areas most harmed by the War on Drugs.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) support, including loans and grants, to help cannabis businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete in the legal market.
- Legal aid and public health programs administered through the Department of Justice and related agencies.
Regulation and Oversight
The MORE Act directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect demographic data on cannabis industry ownership and employment, helping ensure transparency around participation of minorities, women, veterans, and other groups. The bill also calls for the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services to hold public meetings on regulating cannabis products, particularly addressing safety, labeling, and marketing.
In terms of federal employment, the bill allows agencies to continue testing for marijuana use where safety-sensitive jobs are involved, but broadly restricts discrimination against cannabis users under federal law. The measure further clarifies that descheduling does not limit FDA’s authority to regulate cannabis-derived products or medical research.
Taxation and Revenue Structure
The excise tax on cannabis products would begin as a percentage of the product’s price—5% in the first two years, 6% in year three, 7% in year four, and 8% in year five. After that, a weight- or THC-based tax system would take effect, with rates tied to the average market price of marijuana or THC. Exemptions are provided for cannabis used in scientific research or by government entities, and rules are set for refunds or credits in cases of product loss or destruction.
Full Text
For the full text of the MORE Act, click here.
