On Friday, U.S. House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler reintroduced the MORE Act in the House. It aims to legalize marijuana at the federal level and promote social equity.

The MORE Act or the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment & Expungement Act aims to federally decriminalize marijuana, reassess marijuana convictions, and invest in local communities.

Nadler led the charge for reintroduction. “Since I introduced the MORE Act last Congress, numerous states across the nation, including my home state of New York, have moved to legalize marijuana. Our federal laws must keep up with this pace,” Nadler said.

Last year the House passed a similar version of the bill. It was unable to move forward in the Republican-controlled Senate.

If the bill gets approval from the House and Senate, and is signed into law by President Biden, it will generate new opportunities for businesses across the country.

However, federal legalization will disrupt the state-legal marijuana markets, because it will allow for interstate trade and commoditization. 

Federal Legalization Process

Previously the House passed the MORE Act by a 228-164 vote. They must now restart the approval process with the new House members seated in January. 

“It is clear, by the overwhelming extent to which they passed the MORE Act last session, that the House understands this for the urgent racial and social justice issue it is,” Maritza Perez, director of the Office of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance, said.

Even if the House passes the bill again, the Senate remains a barrier. Typically, in the Senate, measures need 60 votes to pass. Even with full support from Democrats and independents, they will still need another ten votes to achieve the required 60 to pass.  

American Support for Legalization

According to a recent Gallup public opinion poll, 68 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization. As support grows, the federal government faces increasing pressure to reform marijuana policy.

So far, 18 states and Washington DC have legalized adult-use marijuana. But some states have yet to launch their legal markets.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.