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Representative Angie Craig Cosponsors Legislation to Decriminalize Marijuana at the Federal Level

July 2, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig cosponsored the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, one of the most comprehensive marijuana reform bills ever introduced in the U.S. Congress. Following efforts led by states across the nation, the MORE Act decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level. The bill also aims to correct the historical injustices of failed drug policies that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities by requiring resentencing and expungement of prior convictions.

"For decades, the United States has wasted hundreds of billions of dollars enforcing antiquated drug laws that do not make our communities any safer or more secure – while targeting communities of color in a particularly unjust and prejudiced manner," said Representative Craig. "The MORE Act is an important first step in legalizing recreational marijuana in ways that make sense for our local communities while allowing legitimate businesses to contribute to our economy and tax base. I'm proud to once again cosponsor this long overdue legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to have it signed into law."

The MORE Act, which is supported by a broad coalition of criminal justice, drug policy and civil rights organizations, would:

  • Decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. This applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and enables states to set their own policy.
  • Require federal courts to expunge prior convictions, allow prior offenders to request expungement, and require courts, on motion, to conduct re-sentencing hearings for those still under supervision.
  • Open up Small Business Administration funding for legitimate cannabis-related businesses and service providers.
  • Authorize the assessment of a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products to create an Opportunity Trust Fund, which would support grant programs to reverse the harmful impact of the War on Drugs and support small businesses – especially those that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.