By Natasha Yee | Phoenix New Times
In a 220-204 party-line vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that would legalize marijuana in the U.S. and decriminalize the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of a drug currently listed as a Schedule I substance.
The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act would also create a process to expunge cannabis convictions, impose a tax on cannabis products and establish a trust fund to support communities impacted by the nation’s decades-long war on drugs. The federal sales tax would gradually increase from 5 to 8 percent. Proceeds would partially go toward community programs such as legal aid and expungement, youth mentoring, and job training.
Historically, Latinos and Blacks have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs, with a higher likelihood of federal sentencing and longer drug sentences than their white counterparts.
“A long over due half measure from Congress, which will hopefully become law.”
Adam Trenk, Rose Law Group partner, Cannabis Law Co-Chair
