<h2>MORE Act Reintroduced: A Landmark Move for Federal Cannabis Reform</h2>
<p>In a significant development for the cannabis industry, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act has been reintroduced in the United States Congress. Spearheaded by Congressman Jerrold Nadler, alongside Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Dina Titus and Ilhan Omar, and House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez, this comprehensive reform legislation aims to catalyze transformative changes in federal cannabis policy. By federally descheduling cannabis, the bill proposes to remove it from the Controlled Substances Act, granting states the autonomy to legalize and regulate cannabis markets independently.</p>
<p>The reintroduction of the MORE Act is a critical step forward in addressing past injustices, as it seeks to expunge the records of individuals with prior cannabis convictions. Congressman Nadler emphasized the pressing need for federal laws to evolve, aligning with growing public support for cannabis and the changing legal landscape across states. By decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level and reinvesting in communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, this legislation aims to rectify historical wrongs and promote economic opportunity.</p>
<h2>Progressive Legislators Propel Cannabis Legalization</h2>
<p>The MORE Act has garnered robust backing from key figures within the cannabis advocacy circle. Rep. Dina Titus, Co-Chair of the Cannabis Caucus, highlighted the necessity of modernizing laws to mirror the evolving reality of cannabis use and its attendant industries. She underscored the importance of recognizing cannabis as a legitimate enterprise that has brought significant medical and economic advantages. The bill presents a framework to end the War on Drugs, supporting communities and businesses while the federal government catches up to progressive state policies.</p>
<p>Rep. Ilhan Omar echoed these sentiments, pointing out the deep-seated impact of the War on Drugs on families, particularly in communities of color. The MORE Act, she notes, not only facilitates federal decriminalization but also ensures record clearance and reinvestment into the most impacted communities. Having witnessed the benefits of state-level legalization, Omar advocates for federal action to harmonize and amplify these gains nationwide.</p>
<h2>Economic Empowerment and Social Justice at the Forefront</h2>
<p>Championing the cause of justice and economic empowerment, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez emphasized the importance of the MORE Act in offering second chances and expanding economic opportunities in marginalized communities. Recognizing the burden of unjust cannabis laws, she is steadfast in her commitment to reintroduce this bill alongside her colleagues, advocating for fairness and equity in the burgeoning cannabis sector.</p>
<p>The legislation is comprehensive in its approach, proposing a 5% sales tax on cannabis products to fund critical community programs. Through these programs, individuals adversely impacted by the War on Drugs can access job training, legal aid, and various supportive services. Additionally, the bill seeks to open small business funding opportunities and to dismantle barriers to cannabis licensing, fostering a more inclusive industry landscape.</p>
<h2>Paving the Way for Equitable Cannabis Policies</h2>
<p>The MORE Act underscores an urgent need to eliminate longstanding biases and offer substantive justice through expungement and resentencing. By prohibiting discrimination based on marijuana use or possession, the bill intends to safeguard individuals from the loss of federal benefits and adverse immigration consequences. It also mandates data collection by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to ensure diverse participation in the cannabis industry.</p>
<p>According to Akua Amaning of the Center for American Progress, millions suffer from the residual impacts of the War on Drugs, with communities of color bearing the brunt. The MORE Act presents a transformative opportunity to redress these inequities, paving the way for justice and equitable participation in this evolving industry. The call to action for Congress is clear: pass this overdue legislation to support an equitable and progressive future for cannabis policy.</p>
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