Rich Neal: “Today's House Consideration of the MORE Act marks an important step in mitigating the impacts of the historically racist…”

“Today's House Consideration of the MORE Act marks an important step in mitigating the impacts of the historically racist war on drugs. This legislation will reform our federal criminal laws while also making investments in and empowering communities of color and those adversely affected by current unjust policies. The MORE Act makes important changes to federal law by removing marijuana, or cannabis, from the list of federally controlled substances. This change to federal law does not undermine the ability of states to apply their criminal laws as they see fit. Instead it makes marijuana a federally regulated substance that is subject to the FDA's regulatory authority and federal taxation. The excise tax that is established by the bill is similar to those for alcohol and tobacco. By creating a legal marijuana market that is subject to federal taxation, this legislation also creates an opportunity trust fund that will increase opportunities or individuals and communities affected by the war on drugs. The opportunity trust fund will fund programs such as job training, reentry services, and substance abuse disorder services, as well as assistance to small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. I thank my colleague, Representative Blumenauer, for his tireless leadership on this issue.…”