Bill Overview
Title: Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act
Description: This bill decriminalizes marijuana. Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. The bill also makes other changes, including the following: replaces statutory references to marijuana and marihuana with cannabis , requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly publish demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees, establishes a trust fund to support various programs and services for individuals and businesses in communities impacted by the war on drugs, imposes an excise tax on cannabis products produced in or imported into the United States and an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities and export warehouses, makes Small Business Administration loans and services available to entities that are cannabis-related legitimate businesses or service providers, prohibits the denial of federal public benefits to a person on the basis of certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions, prohibits the denial of benefits and protections under immigration laws on the basis of a cannabis-related event (e.g., conduct or a conviction), establishes a process to expunge convictions and conduct sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses, directs the Government Accountability Office to study the societal impact of state legalization of recreational cannabis, directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study methods for determining whether a driver is impaired by marijuana, directs the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to study the impact of state legalization of recreational cannabis on the workplace, and directs the Department of Education to study the impact of state legalization of recreational cannabis on schools and school-aged children.
Sponsors: Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-10]
Target Audience
Population: people worldwide involved with or affected by marijuana legislation and its enforcement
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level, impacting anyone federally prosecuted for marijuana-related offenses.
- States that have legalized marijuana could see more regulatory consistency with federal laws, impacting local governments and law enforcement.
- Federal public benefits and immigration determinations that currently consider marijuana-related activities will be affected, impacting those individuals who previously faced denial of benefits.
- Businesses in the cannabis industry, including owners and employees, will be significantly impacted by access to Small Business Administration loans and the new tax regulations.
- Communities historically impacted by the war on drugs will be affected by benefits from the newly established trust fund.
- The removal of marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act may influence international perceptions and agreements on drug regulation, impacting international trade and diplomacy regarding cannabis.
- Studies commissioned by the bill will affect understanding of cannabis' societal impact, influencing future policy and public opinions.
- The expungement of past federal marijuana convictions will impact those with criminal records related to cannabis.
Reasoning
- The MORE Act directly targets individuals who have been prosecuted for cannabis-related offenses, potentially improving their wellbeing by clearing their criminal records and offering new opportunities through federal benefits.
- Communities hardest hit by the war on drugs, often minority communities, can receive targeted support through the trust fund, which could provide economic and social benefits.
- Cannabis businesses and their employees could see increased wellbeing from federal support, including SBA loans and the removal of cannabis from the CSA, reducing legal and financial risks.
- Not every person in the U.S. will be impacted by the MORE Act, as some individuals may not interact with the cannabis industry or law enforcement in ways affected by the policy.
- Federal benefits and immigration violations due to cannabis-related activities cover a smaller segment of the population relative to those in states where marijuana has been legalized, limiting the scope of direct impact.
- The act's budget suggests a targeted rather than universal approach, likely focusing support on those most affected by previous cannabis policies, which needs to balance national distribution with meaningful aid.
Simulated Interviews
dispensary owner (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The MORE Act will stabilize my business, allowing access to banking services and removing grey areas regarding legality.
- Federal taxes might be a burden initially but they also legitimize the industry, which can bring more investment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
software engineer (Colorado)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the policy as a positive societal change, though it doesn’t impact me directly.
- I hope it leads to greater acceptance and safer use across the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired (Texas)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expunging my record would mean I can finally access jobs and benefits I’ve missed out on for years.
- It feels like overdue justice for me and many like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
student (New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am thrilled about the MORE Act because it means real change for communities affected by unjust drug policies.
- I hope this can pave the way for more policy changes and community investments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
construction worker (Washington State)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It reassures me that my use of cannabis won’t put my employment at risk federally.
- Safer regulations can mean better workplace policies for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
community organizer (Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with our goals to reduce incarceration rates and support those affected.
- It could greatly aid the people we work with to rebuild their lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
college student (Florida)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to see changes happening in the law that could make justice systems fairer.
- I hope to focus my career on policies like these that impact drug laws.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
single mother (Michigan)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being able to fully access benefits without past convictions hanging over me would greatly support my family.
- It’s a relief and a second chance to provide better for my children.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
immigration lawyer (Illinois)
Age: 46 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could transform immigration cases involving cannabis into fairer outcomes.
- Many clients will benefit from protections in immigration status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
small business owner (Kentucky)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Easing federal restrictions can help expand my product line with fewer legal worries.
- I’m hopeful for clear guidelines and support from this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $400000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $600000000)
Year 3: $350000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $500000000)
Year 5: $300000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $400000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $300000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $200000000)
Key Considerations
- The variability in state-level regulations on marijuana could affect the uniformity of the policy's impact across states.
- Initial costs for establishing the infrastructure for tax collection and legal processes will be significant.
- Public health impacts and potential need for increased education on cannabis consumption must be considered.
- Shifts in criminal justice priorities may lead to reallocation of resources and could affect local law enforcement budgets and policies.