Landmark Legislation Introduced: The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act Revisited
Washington D.C. – A significant legislative effort aimed at addressing the long-standing impacts of marijuana prohibition and fostering equitable opportunities is making its way through Congress. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act), officially designated as H.R. 5068 (IH), has been formally introduced in the House of Representatives, with its publication on govinfo.gov by the U.S. Government Publishing Office noted for September 3, 2025, at 3:45 AM.
This reintroduction of the MORE Act signifies a renewed push to enact comprehensive federal reform concerning cannabis. The legislation, if passed, is designed to have a multi-faceted impact, focusing on several key areas:
Decriminalization and Expungement: A core component of the MORE Act is the removal of marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. This would effectively decriminalize cannabis at the federal level. Crucially, the bill also aims to expunge federal convictions for non-violent marijuana offenses. This provision seeks to provide a fresh start for individuals who have faced legal and societal consequences due to past marijuana laws, potentially opening doors to employment, housing, and educational opportunities that may have been previously closed.
Social Equity and Economic Opportunity: Beyond expungement, the MORE Act includes robust provisions to promote social equity within the burgeoning cannabis industry. It proposes to establish a Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (CORE) tax, levied on cannabis products. The revenue generated from this tax would be directed towards programs designed to benefit communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. This includes funding for job training, small business development, and reentry services for individuals with prior marijuana convictions. The legislation aims to ensure that those most affected by prohibition can participate in and benefit from the legal cannabis market.
Federal Regulation and Consumer Protections: The MORE Act also outlines a framework for federal regulation of the cannabis industry. This would involve establishing clear guidelines for the production, distribution, and sale of marijuana products. The intention is to create a safe and regulated market, ensuring product quality and safety for consumers, while also generating tax revenue for the federal government.
The reintroduction of the MORE Act underscores the ongoing national conversation surrounding marijuana policy. As more states continue to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, the federal government’s approach remains a critical point of discussion. This legislation represents a significant attempt to align federal law with evolving public opinion and to address the historical injustices associated with past drug enforcement policies.
Members of Congress championing the MORE Act often highlight the economic potential of a regulated cannabis market and the importance of rectifying the disproportionate impact of prohibition on marginalized communities. The bill’s journey through the legislative process will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it holds the potential to reshape federal drug policy and foster a more equitable future.
H.R. 5068 (IH) – Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act
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govinfo.gov Congressional Bills published ‘H.R. 5068 (IH) – Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act’ at 2025-09-03 03:45. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.