S-597 : Still Just a Bill

Marijuana Justice Act of 2019

This bill decriminalizes marijuana.

Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who imports, exports, manufactures, distributes, or possesses with intent to distribute marijuana.

Additionally, the bill does the following:

• reduces federal funds for a state that has not legalized marijuana and has a disproportionate arrest rate or a disproportionate incarceration rate for marijuana offenses,
• directs federal courts to expunge convictions for marijuana use or possession, and
• establishes a fund—the Community Reinvestment Fund—to support grants in communities most affected by the war on drugs.