BGOV OnPoint: Marijuana Decriminalization on Lawmakers’ Radar

Democrats are advancing legislation to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level, but key hurdles remain before it has any chance of becoming law.

The House on April 1 passed the “MORE Act” (H.R. 3617; see BGOV Bill Summary) from House Judiciary Chair Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), and Senate leaders plan to formally introduce their own measure ahead of the August recess after releasing a draft measure last year.

Republicans have largely opposed the Democratic-led measures, citing concerns about safety and the proposed taxes. Several House Republicans offered their own decriminalization measure (H.R. 5977) with ...