Congressman Gomez Votes to Pass the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act

Washington, December 4, 2020

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) voted to pass H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2020. The House passage of this bill, which decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level, is a historic step in addressing the damage caused by the so-called “War on Drugs,” especially in Black and Brown communities.

“Legislation to end the federal prohibition on marijuana has been long overdue,” said Congressman Gomez, a cosponsor of the bill. “Not only does it signify another step forward in our collective efforts to fight racial sentencing  disparities in the justice system and invest in our communities, but it also represents a strong commitment to the health and well-being of countless Americans who rely on marijuana’s medicinal properties. Once signed into law, the MORE Act will help right the wrongs that decades of failed drug policies have had on Black and Brown communities and uplift those who have been held back and defined by their previous marijuana convictions. I strongly urge the Senate Majority Leader to put this historic bill up for a vote and work with congressional Democrats to create a more equitable and just society for all Americans.”

The MORE Act would make three important changes to federal law:

  • Remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances;
  • Authorize an excise tax on marijuana that would help fund the needs of communities that have been seriously impacted by the War on Drugs, including increasing the participation of communities of color in the burgeoning cannabis market; and
  • Provide for the expungement of Federal marijuana convictions and arrests.

This legislation would also open up Small Business Administration (SBA) resources to cannabis-related businesses and allow for access to medical marijuana for patients enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Currently, criminal convictions for marijuana can prevent persons from voting, obtaining student loans, gaining employment, maintaining a professional license, securing housing, receiving government assistance, adopting a child, and completing the pathway to citizenship.

Click here for the full text of the MORE Act.

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