Another state seeks to put an end to our nation’s faulty drug policies. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed two bills that will legalize recreational marijuana in the state, as well as expunge certain marijuana-related offenses. Under new laws, individuals 21+ are able to possess up to two ounces of marijuana, and newly legal cannabis-related offenses will be subject to automatic expungement.

The United States is running out of logical reasons for enforcing outdated Marijuana laws. Not only would legalization decrease crime rates, the cannabis industry currently drives mass amounts of profits in legal states. More importantly, the prohibition of cannabis makes it easier for law enforcers to disproportionately target minority communities, which contributes to devastating issues concerning systemic racism in America.

Individuals living in illegal states suffer unreasonable consequences for marijuana offenses, while dispensary owners in California, Colorado, etc. rake in millions for the same ‘crime.’ This nationwide inconsistency represents a deep unfairness amongst American citizens. Those facing limited employment and housing opportunities due to previous marijuana-related offenses suffer from only one mistake—being in the wrong state at the wrong time. New Mexico’s decision to automatically expunge newly legal cannabis-related charges provides deserving New Mexicans with greater opportunities and hope for a better future.

If a previous arrest or conviction is placing limits on your life, it’s time to take your future back into your own hands. Easy Expunctions offers a headache-free expunction process, without emptying your wallet. For more information regarding a clean criminal record, get in touch with us at (877) 795-3149 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com.

A major victory has taken place this year for Marijuana-involved Vermonters. The State’s Governor Phil Scott approved S.234 in October, a bill that will automatically expunge minor pot-related offenses from an individual’s criminal record by the end of 2021. The new law decriminalizes anything less than 2 ounces and allows individuals with previous marijuana charges to legally deny their record’s existence when applying for employment, housing, or a license, relieving thousands of the burden of their criminal record.

Marijuana is a thriving industry in legal states. The notion that people should continue to receive punishments for recreational marijuana use is absurd, as nearly half of the nation already voted to decriminalize it. Still, Marjuana is both illegal and criminalized in many states, often resulting in high fines and skewed sentences toward minorities. By automatically expunging minor pot-related offenses, Vermont is providing their residents with greater opportunities for equality and advancement. Hopefully other states will acknowledge the law’s benefits and follow in Vermont’s footsteps.

Everyone deserves to move forward. Free yourself from your criminal record with easy and affordable record-clearing packages from Easy Expunctions. Start your expunction process today by visiting our website at EasyExpunctions.com or contacting us at (877) 959-4083.

Virginia has taken the lead as the first southern state to legalize marijuana. Recently, Virginia lawmakers enacted the legalization law which allows adults 21 and over to use and grow marijuana starting in July. The state also plans to launch a legal and regulated market beginning in 2024. Additionally, the law creates an opportunity for people with convictions of past marijuana possession to lower their penalties or have their records sealed. Revenue from the new excise tax on marijuana will go to education programs, addiction treatment, public health services, and equity initiatives.

Many support the new legislation because it will eliminate the harmful effects of the war on drugs and marijuana prohibition. These effects include thousands of arrests, racial disparity, millions of dollars in the black market for illicit drugs, and violent operations. Supporters argue against the claims of health effects by noting that the end to marijuana prohibition outweighs the potential adverse effects of marijuana use.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Norham publicly backed marijuana legalization last November, and after a few months of back-and-forth, Virginia finally passed the legislation. This was a remarkably quick turnaround in comparison to other states like New York and New Jersey who battled for legalization for a few years. With Virginia’s new law, a total of 16 states and Washington D.C. have all legalized marijuana.

If you have a charge and you live in a state that has yet to legalize marijuana and/or provide methods of erasing old records, you should reach out to the friendly faces at Easy Expunctions. Our record-clearing software works quickly and efficiently, and at a much lower cost than a traditional lawyer. We want to give you a second chance to thrive without the weight of a criminal record—get in touch with us to see if we can help you get the fresh start you deserve.

As federal legalization stalls, it’s refreshing to see tolerance occur on smaller levels throughout the country. Eli Savit, the prosecutor for Washtenaw County, Michigan, has announced that his office will no longer charge people for low-level drug use, possession, or distribution that involves marijuana or magic mushrooms.

Additionally, Savit’s office will support expunctions for those who have acquired charges for the substances in the past. The newly elected official cites the war on drugs as a driving force behind the new policy. In a statement, Savit clarified his decision by noting:

“Many of us know people who have used substances like marijuana or psychedelics without facing criminal consequences. We should no longer continue to perpetuate the cruel roulette wheel that imposes criminal consequences only on an unlucky few. Equally important is that we allow those with old convictions to get their lives back on track. A criminal conviction can impact a person’s ability to get a job, obtain housing, or continue their education.”

Though marijuana is legal in the state, citizens are still able to be charged for carrying “too much” marijuana. It’s also worth noting that the proposition that passed legalization does not provide automatic expunctions for marijuana-related charges. Savit is taking steps to right the wrongs of the war on drugs and its disproportionate targeting of minorities who have a difficult time overcoming the obstacles of a criminal record.

Washtenaw County is home to Ann Arbor, the 4th biggest city in the state and home to the University of Michigan, which encourages a bustling local economy. We’re happy and hopeful to see small scale progression toward criminal justice reform. If you’re still struggling to get a job because of a past drug charge, we might be able to help you get on the path to a clean record. Get in touch with us to see if your arrest, charge, or conviction is eligible for expunction!