Geographical map of America with American flag and marijuana

The MORE Act: Historic Marijuana Legalization Vote 2020

The House has Postponed the Bill to Federally Legalize Marijuana Until After the Presidential Election

The MORE Act, which would legalize marijuana on the federal level, has been postponed until after the 2020 presidential election.
United States cannabis legalization map
Image courtesy of rollingstone.com

More Act

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment Expungement Act would legalize marijuana on the federal level and expunge some cannabis-related criminal records. It would also create grant programs for people affected by the War on Drugs. The bill was supposed to be voted on during the week of September 21st, but has been postponed until after the 2020 presidential election.

House Split on MORE Act vs. Coronavirus Relief Package

“Moderate” Democrats have pushed for a federal legalization bill as a major part of racial justice efforts.

However, “Centrist” Democrats argued the Coronavirus relief package should be treated as the top priority, as the government shutdown is still being felt by people and businesses across the country.

  • According to The Hill, House Majority leader Steny Hoyer stated in an email Democratic leaders are “committed” to scheduling a vote on the bill before the end of the year.

The bill’s sponsor, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, suggested the vote may get postponed to the next lame-duck session.

Presidential Standpoints: Trump vs. Biden

Trump has altered his stance on federal legalization numerous times since taking presidential office in 2016.

  • Complex reporter Marc Lotter, director of strategic communications for the Trump 2020 campaign, has stated: “They need to be kept illegal. That is the federal policy.”

Joe Biden stood against the federal legalization of marijuana throughout his entire political career. Only until his vice-presidential term with Barack Obama did his views ease. His current stance is for decriminalization, but still does not support full-scale legalization.

What’s Next?

House Democrats are determined to have a vote on the legalization of marijuana before the end of the year, but not until after the election. Six states are voting on legalization measures on November 3rd.

  • Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota are voting on recreational use 
  • Mississippi and South Dakota are voting on the medical use
  • Oregon is voting on the legal use of psilocybin.

BizTender is currently Metrc compliant and integrated with Massachusetts, Montana, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Alaska. The passing of the MORE Act would greatly open the possibilities for legal marijuana businesses all over the country. We at Biztender are here to help your marijuana business grow and we hope the passing of the MORE Act will put us in touch with more of those looking to grow in this booming industry.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *