In addition to legalization, the MORE Act also would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and erase criminal penalties for people who grow, process, distribute or possess marijuana.

Bustos, who was reelected to a fifth term, said Monday she voted against the legislation because it lacks clarity on what constitutes non-violent offenses, which could lead to inconsistent application of the law.

“I have supported allowing federal research into marijuana, voted for legislation that would fix federal banking issues for Illinois marijuana retailers and growers, and understand states’ roles in legalizing this substance,” Bustos said.

“To be clear, I also recognize the need for criminal justice reform. There is no doubt that communities of color have been disparately impacted, and we must work to address these wrongs. That is why I have supported legislative efforts to address sentencing reform, law enforcement reform and racial justice, and other issues that have impacted the communities I serve.

“While I could not cast my vote for this legislation, I hope to play a constructive role as debate on this issue continues,” she said.

Bustos has previously supported criminal justice reform such as the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, which would address federal banking problems with marijuana retailers and growers; the First Step Act, legislation that addresses mandatory minimum sentences; and the Justice in Policing Act, legislation meant to curb systemic racism in law enforcement.