Why the MORE Act is a Step in the Right Direction, But It's Not Enough

The MORE Act would reschedule cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, thus legalizing it at the federal level. This would be a huge step in the right direction for those who have been arrested and incarcerated for simple possession charges. However, it would do nothing for the millions of people who have been arrested and charged with other cannabis-related offenses, such as cultivation or distribution. The MORE Act would also establish a 5% tax on cannabis sales, which would create a "trust fund" to invest in communities most impacted by the War on Drugs. While this is a step in the right direction, it's not enough. Here's why.

The War on Drugs has disproportionately harmed communities of color. In fact, a study by the American Civil Liberties Union found that Black people are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people, even though both groups use cannabis at similar rates. The MORE Act would do nothing to address this issue. In fact, it would continue to punish those who have been most harmed by the War on Drugs by imposing a 5% tax on cannabis sales. Additionally, the MORE Act would do nothing to expunge the records of those who have been arrested and convicted of cannabis-related offenses. This is especially important given that having a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and education opportunities. For many people of color, a criminal record is a life sentence. The MORE Act fails to address this issue, and as such, it fails to truly provide justice for communities of color that have been most harmed by the War on Drugs. So in my opinion the MORE Act is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough. It fails to address the disproportionate harm that communities of color have faced as a result of the War on Drugs and does nothing to expunge the records of those who have been arrested and convicted of cannabis-related offenses. Until these issues are addressed, any purported legalization of cannabis at the federal level will be nothing more than lip service.