John xxxxxx,

For decades, the failed War on Drugs has ruined lives, families and communities across our country. Much of it has been fueled by marijuana convictions, and in turn, it’s resulted in our country holding the largest prison population in the world.

Not only has this war on marijuana fed mass incarceration — with marijuana arrests making up more than half of all drug arrests in the U.S. — but it has created a stark racial disparity. While Black and white individuals use marijuana at about the same rate, Black Americans are nearly four times more likely to be arrested for possession.

It’s become clear: in some neighborhoods, marijuana is considered a socially-accepted activity and savvy business venture, while in others, it’s still considered a dangerous crime that could put you or a loved one away.

With more states across the country moving to legalize marijuana and take advantage of the benefits of a thriving cannabis industry, it’s time we in Washington take action as well to not just legalize marijuana, but provide restorative justice to the communities most hurt by its criminalization.

That’s why I’m extremely proud to say that last Friday, the U.S. House took a historic step by passing the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act. 

This legislation would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, clear the records of those with nonviolent marijuana convictions, and provide resources for the cannabis industry to thrive and fuel investment in our communities.

The MORE Act is the first federal step in ending the failed, harmful War on Drugs, but if we want it to become law, we need the Senate to pass it too.

Join me in supporting the decriminalization of marijuana and efforts to provide restorative justice by adding your name and urging the Senate to pass the MORE Act now.

Imagine the possibilities if we finally decriminalize marijuana on a national scale, expunge the records of hundreds of thousands of people, and create a level playing field for the cannabis industry.

Passing the MORE Act is not just an opportunity to lift up our communities — it’s the right thing to do.

Keep the faith,

— Hakeem