Will Congress Legalize Marijuana at the Federal Level?

 Posted on September 08, 2025 in Drug Charges

In recent years, attitudes surrounding marijuana have become more relaxed throughout much of the United States. Currently, marijuana has been fully legalized in 24 states and the District of Columbia, and 40 states have laws that allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes. However, marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance by the federal government. This may change due to a new bill that was recently introduced in the House of Representatives.

Because the legality of marijuana is in flux, people may face criminal charges or other legal issues related to this substance. Even in states like Connecticut, where the adult use of cannabis has been legalized, people may face charges for possessing more marijuana than is allowed under the law or selling or distributing cannabis without a license. People who have previously been convicted of marijuana offenses may need to take steps to clear their criminal records. 

When addressing issues related to marijuana or drug crimes, a criminal defense attorney can provide guidance on the options for defense that may be available. With legal representation, criminal defendants or people who have been convicted in the past can make sure their rights will be protected, and they can determine the best steps to take to resolve their legal concerns.

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act

Recently, Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York introduced a bill known as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. This law would make sweeping changes to the ways marijuana is addressed by the federal government, and it is meant to account for the harmful effects that the "war on drugs" has had on many people and families throughout the United States.

One of the most significant changes that this law would implement would be to remove marijuana/cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. This would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level since it would no longer be included in the schedules of controlled substances. The law would also allow people who are currently incarcerated or on probation or parole for federal marijuana offenses to seek resentencing, and people who had previously been convicted would be able to petition for expungement.

The MORE Act would also provide benefits for people with past marijuana-related convictions. Under the law, people would no longer be denied federal housing benefits or other federal public benefits based on convictions for marijuana possession or their current marijuana possession or use. Previous marijuana convictions would no longer be allowed as a basis for the deportation of immigrants.

The potential new law has widespread support, with more than three dozen representatives co-signing the bill. A large number of groups that advocate for criminal justice, civil rights, immigration, and drug policy reform have put their support behind the bill, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Doctors for Drug Policy Reform, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Whether the bill will be passed and signed into law by President Donald Trump remains to be seen, but advocates are hopeful that real marijuana policy reform may be on the horizon.

Contact Our Hartford Marijuana Crimes Defense Lawyers

While the laws surrounding marijuana have changed recently and are likely to change again in the future, there are still situations where people may face criminal charges related to marijuana possession, distribution, or trafficking. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our lawyers can provide the representation needed to address these charges. We can help defend against convictions or seek expungements of prior convictions. To set up a free consultation and get legal help with your case, contact our Connecticut drug crimes defense attorneys at 860-290-8690.