Schumer Statement On Ending The Federal Prohibition On Marijuana Following The House Passing The MORE Act

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today released the following statement on the House passed MORE Act and called for an end to draconian marijuana laws that have contributed to racial inequality.

“For too long, draconian marijuana laws have contributed to racial inequality. By passing the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, the House has taken a historic step towards finally ending the federal prohibition on marijuana. This bill would not only allow for expungement of marijuana convictions and arrests, sealing of records, and re-sentencing opportunities, it would also help level the economic playing field for Black, Hispanic, and low income communities.

“I have long believed that any effort to reform our nation’s marijuana laws should also include significant measures to undo the harms that too many families and communities have suffered as a result of the War on Drugs. At the time I introduced the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act, which seeks to achieve many of the same goals as the MORE Act, and I was the highest ranking Democrat in the country to call for an end to federal prohibition of marijuana. These bills are part of a broader movement to address inequities in criminal justice, business and more. Today’s bipartisan vote shows just how far that movement has come. I am encourage by the action the House has taken and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to support these efforts as well.” 

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