Pennsylvania’s 2018 Clean Slate Bill allowed for certain low-level offenses to be sealed from the public. And now after a recent discussion of the potential benefits of marijuana legalization, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe seems to want to take this measure a step further.
Like every other state, PA’s economy has suffered major blows as a result of Covid-19. Legal or not, marjuana is a guaranteed thriving market. PA’s marijuana market rakes in millions of dollars every year, but since marijuana is not yet legal in the state, the PA economy cannot benefit from the market’s success. By legalizing adult-use marijuana, the state’s economy would be able to benefit from the millions of dollars that are otherwise held by the black market. In addition, marijuana legalization would also allow a greater amount of deserving citizens to better contribute to the economy.
If those with marijuana-related charges were able to seal their criminal records, a greater amount of jobs would be available. By decreasing the chance of employer rejection based on marijuana offenses, more people would be able to work, ultimately allowing them to positively contribute to the economy. There would also be an increase in jobs created in the marijuana industry if it were legalized.
Aside from the economic benefits, marijuana legalization is long overdue for many reasons. It is a proven fact that minority communities are disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization laws. Not only do these outdated laws target minorities at an alarming rate, it is increasingly difficult for them to find jobs and alternative housing in the notorious shelter system with a criminal record. This increase in job and housing opportunities would help decrease the rate of poverty and homelessnes in the state. By refusing to legalize adult-use marijuana, we are forcing many deserving citizens to face a lifetime of hardships years after completing their sentence. Though long overdue, the 2018 Clean Slate Bill was an effective step towards reversing injustices resulting from marijuana criminalization.
We understand that marijuana charges are senseless, and most of all, unfair. If you have a marijuana charge that’s getting in the way of finding a job or a home, Easy Expunctions is here to help. Visit easyexpunctions.com or give us a call at (877) 798-9486 to see if we can help you clear your record.
