The U.S. House is set for a second vote to end the federal ban on cannabis, aiming to aid communities and individuals most affected by the drug war.
Vote on the MORE Act
As per the schedule released on Friday, the decision on the proposed Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) is up for voting and will take place on the House floor as early as Wednesday. The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill in September.
Key Provisions of the MORE Act
- Eligibility of legal cannabis operations for Small Business Administration loans and checking accounts
- Requirement for federal courts to expunge prior cannabis convictions
- Taxation of cannabis to fund job training, literacy, drug treatment programs, and support for individuals affected by the war on drugs entering the cannabis industry
During the final weeks of the last Congress in 2020, the House approved the legislation, but the Senate did not consider it. The vote is crucial this time as it precedes the midterm elections, potentially impacting Democratic control of Congress.
Morgan Fox, political director for NORML, stated that the upcoming vote during the midterm elections will serve as a record of elected officials’ positions on this significant public policy.
Senate Efforts to End the Federal Cannabis Ban
Senate Democrats, led by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, are drafting legislation to end the federal cannabis ban and provide assistance to individuals and communities affected by the war on drugs.
Previous House Action and Senate Opposition
The House in February voted to allow banks to provide credit cards, checking accounts, and other financial services to legal cannabis businesses. However, Senator Cory Booker has opposed taking up the measure in the Senate, stating that any legislation must also include a restorative justice provision.
I have been smoking marijuana now for 22 years n I am fine.