Rep. Brent applauds US House passage of bill to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level

COLUMBUS—Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland), a longtime advocate for the decriminalization of cannabis, today applauded the passage of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill removes cannabis from the federally controlled substances act and facilitates the cancellation of low-level arrests and convictions related to cannabis. This is the first time that the U.S. House has voted to remove cannabis from the federally controlled substances act.

"I am pleased that the U.S. House has taken the first step to decriminalize cannabis. It is time we stop criminalizing a plant,” said Rep. Brent. “Communities of color are disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization, so I am excited to see this measure.”

The MORE Act will also open a pathway for those in the cannabis industry to utilize banks and resources.

Earlier this year, Rep. Brent introduced House Bill (HB) 642 to repeal crimes of trafficking and possession of cannabis to place a focus on cannabis decriminalization within Ohio.

“Ohio has already legalized medical cannabis, so it’s time we legalize adult use of cannabis as well,” added Rep. Brent.