What exactly does the MORE act mean?

Unless you've been hiding under a rock or just a little disconnected from reality, I'm sure you've seen the latest legal updates in marijuana news.

Last week the House of Representatives voted to pass a measure that would decriminalize marijuana use at the federal level, officially known as the MORE act. While this definitely has us headed in the right direction, there are some key points you should know. For starters, some believe that if passed that the MORE act would make cannabis legal nationwide, myth buster: It won't. Pertaining to federal law, yes, cannabis will be descheduled entirely. And not only that, but all federal marijuana convictions will be expunged— even the folks who were captured with many tons of cannabis in helicopters and submarines. But state laws will not be preempted in the least. Meaning, someone walking around with an ounce of marijuana in Boise, Idaho, the day after the MORE act becomes a federal law, could still be arrested. This is because the federal government probably does not have the power to shutter state cannabis programs. Additionally, the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides that the federal government cannot “commandeer” states by forcing them to enact laws in the federal interest. That’s true in the cannabis prohibition context, and it will also hold true once the feds give a green light to cannabis, under the MORE Act or otherwise. Yet, congress could use its spending power to encourage states to end prohibition. Because, the MORE Act makes certain federal funds available only to “eligible States” that have taken steps to expunge cannabis convictions and eliminate penalties for cannabis parolees. This may move the needle in some jurisdictions; others will likely resist.

The MORE Act does quite a bit, however it doesn’t do everything. At state and local levels, its impact will be more penumbral than direct. We do stand in support of the MORE Act on balance and we hope that it passes. That said, it is not the end of the road. Not even close.

Again, this is an awesome time to remind you of the importance of voting. While the House version (HR 3884) passed, it will be crucial for the Senate version (S 2227), sponsored by Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. Our guess is it won’t, unless both Democratic candidates prevail in the Georgia runoffs this January, resulting in Mitch McConnell’s replacement as Senate Majority Leader. The runoff elections in Georgia hold a lot of weight in January, call anyone you know in Georgia and make sure they vote!

And don't forget, Lucky Chuckie always has you covered when looking for weed in DC. 7 days a week, right to your door, we are here for you!