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Seth Rogen Voices Support for Cannabis Crime Expunctions, Citing Racist Policing

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Seth Rogen has voiced support for the expungement of crimes related to cannabis use. The celebrity recently sponsored a panel to speak about racism within the war on drugs and the cannabis industry. The panel, “Reimagining Justice: Race, Cannabis, and Policing,” was organized by the Marijuana Policy Project. It featured discussions on the incarceration of cannabis users, the disproportionate arrests of people of color, and the ways in which expungement can rehabilitate those who have suffered from the criminal justice system. During the panel, Rogen explained, “The war on drugs was racist, is racist.” 

His claims are strongly backed by an ACLU report which found that Black people were 3.6 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people, despite white and Black people using cannabis at nearly the same rates. Targeting people of color for cannabis possession is perpetrated through politicians spreading the myth that cannabis use is more prevalent in Black communities. This false narrative has led to those with drug charges suffering even after cannabis becomes legalized in their state; suffering that Rogen and his colleagues believe can be healed through expungement.

Rogen described expungement as, “a step in correcting some of the wrongs and giving back some of the rights that these people, who have been negatively affected by the war on drugs, had taken away from them for no reason.” Rogen is currently working with National Expungement Week to raise awareness and education on expungement for those charged with cannabis crimes. 

If you or someone you know currently suffers under the oppression of the criminal justice system, please visit easyexpunctions.com to find out if you can expunge your unfairly acquired criminal record. We’ll get you started with a free background check and determine your eligibility for an expunction or nondisclosure. Get in touch with us today to take your first steps toward a fresh start. 

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Expunctions

Biden Pledges Federal Aid Toward Marijuana Crime Expunctions

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Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden took to the public to present his plan for racial equity and the economy moving forward. Fortunately, one major part of this plan includes further action taken on the part of the federal government to make the process of expunging cannabis-related charges easier and more efficient.

Biden acknowledged the tendency of the War on Drugs to target people of color, and the subsequent struggle these communities have undergone due to the corruption within the criminal justice system. Biden’s plan to amend expunction processes includes setting aside funding for states that wish to adopt new infrastructures meant to modernize criminal record data which will in turn make it possible to automate the expungement process.

In short, Biden’s plan sets aside federal funding specifically designated to make the expunction of non-violent crimes easier and more accessible. Biden believes that this plan will “advance a pathway for redemption and re-entry—and make real the possibility of second chances for all Americans—by helping states modernize their criminal justice data infrastructure and adopt automated record sealing for selected categories of non-violent offenses, to modernize their criminal justice data infrastructure.” In addition to creating the possibility of a second chance for those convicted of cannabis-related offenses, Biden’s team hopes that this will decrease the rate of recidivism by people who have previously been convicted of crimes. Through implementing this plan to allocate federal funding to make expunctions easier and more just, Biden intends to decrease the racial inequity from the War on Drugs, decrease the national rate of recidivism, and give as many people as possible a second chance. In the meanwhile, check out Easy Expunctions to learn how you can clear your record as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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Expungement

Vermont Might Add Expungement Laws to Marijuana Legalization Package

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It’s safe to say Vermont’s proposed S.54 expansion package has sparked the interest of many citizens affected by the criminalization of marijuana. This is because the expunction of marijuana crimes has been added to the bill. The bill, which has divided the House and State on support, is an attempt to move forward on Vermont’s legalization and decriminalization of marijuana.

It previously included a 20% tax for the sale of marijuana, opportunity for retail sales, dispensaries, and saliva testing for suspected impaired drivers. The expansion of the bill would now allow for the automatic expungement of the criminal records of those convicted of possessing less than two ounces of marijuana. While marijuana has been legal in Vermont since 2018, the actual sale of cannabis is still prohibited, and the current requirement for automatic expungement is the possession of one ounce or less of the drug when convicted.

While this bill is widely supported by marijuana users, it has received many harsh criticisms as well. Some believe the bill does not take into account the racial injustice that is factored into the marijuana marketplace, and they call for more stipulations to protect the Black community from discrimination in the market. These concerns are supported by mountains of evidence that point to racial inequalities in the treatment of those with marijuana possessions since the War on Drugs commenced: The ACLU reports have found that Black people in the possession of marijuana are approximately six times more likely to be arrested than white people in possession. Though the creators of the bill have added a Cannabis Control Board, a board that would prioritize granting licenses to minority-owned and female-owned cannabis businesses, many critics believe this is not enough and more stipulations must be introduced.

Other critics believe that the many hoops one must jump through to receive an expunction for marijuana-related charges must be addressed in order for the bill to be effective and do as much good as possible. While the House and State remain quite torn on the passing of the S.54 bill, there is one ray of hope. This has brought attention to the need for expunction legislation, which will hopefully remain a part of the conversation regardless of the bill’s passing.

If you’re struggling to move on from your marijuana charge or arrest, give Easy Expunctions a call. You might be eligible to have your record cleared once and for all.

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Convictions

New York Senate Allows for More Low-Level Marijuana Conviction Expunctions

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As of July 2020, the New York Senate has passed a bill that expands the possibility of expunctions for low-level marijuana misdemeanors to many more individuals. This piece of state legislation, signed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, fixes the language used in the past applying to this issue, which barred individuals who were convicted on marijuana charges before 1977 from receiving an automatic expunction.

This past legislation operated on the stature that state laws were much stricter on marijuana charges in 1977 and before, therefore making a marijuana conviction a harsher offense. The law was straightened out in this new senate legislation by simply changing the legislation’s wording from marijuana “violation or violations” to marijuana “misdemeanor and/or violation.” This allows cases before 1977 to receive the same weight and consideration for expunction as those cases that occurred after 1977.

This change in legislation is one of a few smaller changes in favor of marijuana users that has swept the New York Senate in the past few days. The legislation came only one day after another piece of legislation was passed that abolished the possibility of tenants being evicted for the legal use of medical marijuana. Similar propositions have been pushed by lawmakers to less avail, such as a proposition to ban the use of pre-employment drug testing.

Minor reforms such as these have been made in an effort to accommodate the long standing stalemate within the state of New York on the issue of whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Many state politicians and lawmakers have voiced their opinions on the subject, including calling for the decriminalization of marijuana into requests for police reform in New York. However, it seems that until the Senate can reach a consensus on the legalization of marijuana, strides forward will most likely come in the form of modest reforms to marijuana legislation. In the meantime, this piece of legislation intends to distribute a great deal of automatic expunctions that will no doubt begin the rehabilitation process for many New York inhabitants.

If you’re burdened with the effects of past criminal charges, please visit us at Easy Expunctions to see whether or not you are eligible for a quick and Easy Expunction. We may be able to help you get your life back on track.

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Criminal Records

AZ’s Marijuana Legalization Ballot Initiative Makes Past Marijuana-Related Crimes Eligible for Expunction

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As of July 2020, the highly-supported ballot initiative to legalize the recreational use of marijuana known as the Smart and Safe Arizona Act has been approved by the Secretary of State to be listed on the general election ballot this coming November. Simply put, citizens of Arizona will be able to vote for their right to responsibly partake in recreational marijuana.

The initiative became a part of the primary ballot after a petition created by the Smart and Safe Arizona Act reached 100% of the minimum signature requirement, receiving approximately 255,080 valid signatures. The initiative is set to be listed as Proposition 207, and includes many details ensuring that the use of marijuana is safe. Some of these details include limitations on home cultivation of marijuana plants, age limitations on the consumption of marijuana, and regulations regarding the obtainment of a recreational marijuana license.

One of the details expressed is regarding those already convicted on marijuana-related charges in Arizona. The initiative would allow anyone convicted of certain marijuana-related crimes to petition for the expungement of their criminal record. As of July 12, 2021, those convicted previously of possessing less than an ounce of marijuana, six or fewer plants, or any paraphernalia would be allowed to petition to have that record expunged. This expungement opportunity adds a factor to Proposition 207 that makes it helpful and possibly even life-changing not only for those who wish to use marijuana recreationally, but also to those who have experienced great hardships and setbacks due to their criminal record from marijuana-related charges. If you experience setbacks or hardships in life due to your criminal record, visit us at EasyExpunctions.com to see if we can help you get your life back on track. 

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Texas

Low-level Marijuana Possession No Longer Enforced in Austin

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People have been utilizing marijuana for medicinal purposes for years now, both legally and illegally. A drug charge on your record is never a good thing, especially when it’s for a small amount of pot. Austinites can carry their personal stash safely now that the Austin City Council voted Thursday to end the enforcement of low-level misdemeanor marijuana possession. The move effectively ends criminal action against individuals with small amounts of marijuana while also prohibiting Austin police from pursuing new testing methods to distinguish narcotic marijuana from legal hemp. Police still may issue citations and detain individuals for marijuana possession, as granted under state law. However, police can no longer issue any fines or order court dates for people suspected of low-level marijuana possession, which is fewer than 4 ounces of pot or amounts deemed to be for personal use.

Many have cited this move as an effort to reduce racial discrimination. Speakers in Thursday’s gathering told the council that ending enforcement of small amounts of marijuana was most definitely a racial issue. Data from Austin police revealed that of the 432 marijuana citations issued in 2019, 201 were issued to Hispanics and 163 to African Americans, making up 84% of all citations. Austin police will continue to enforce felony marijuana trafficking offenses as it would require action from the Legislature to completely decriminalize the drug. The only person to speak against the decision was Austin police union President Ken Casaday, who stated limiting police officers’ ability to enforce misdemeanor marijuana offenses would make the city less safe. The Austin City Council disagreed with Casaday as the vote was unanimous and they hope to bring the legalization of marijuana to the Legislature next year.

This is an excellent move for Austin because as minimal as a low-level misdemeanor marijuana possession is, it can be detrimental to your record when applying for jobs and housing. More cities are certain to follow behind Austin’s decision, but for now, a marijuana possession charge, no matter how small, can limit your opportunities. At Easy Expunctions we can help you wipe your record clean and even offer free background checks to get you started. Visit www.easyexpunctions.com to see what charges you have that qualify for expungement. We can work directly with you to clean your record and offer a variety of affordable packages.

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Criminal Records

Atlanta Mayor Plans to Restrict the Public’s Access to Low-Level Marijuana Criminal Records

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Criminal records exist for a reason—we would never argue that. But when they do more harm than good, it’s time to take a step back and decide if the system needs a second look.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is on a mission to restrict the public’s access to the criminal records of those who have been convicted for carrying less than an ounce of marijuana. She announced plans for an administrative order that would require city officials to establish a process that allows people to apply to have their drug court records made unavailable to everyone who isn’t law enforcement. This means that if you have a low-level drug conviction, you can apply to have it hidden from potential employers, landlords, and other nosy acquaintances as soon as February 1st, 2020.

This is a solid middle ground that many should be able to get on board with—law enforcement will still have what they need, but people who are affected will have a real shot of escaping the stigma of a criminal record. It would allow nonviolent offenders to make the most of their lives without encountering the many barriers that come with a criminal background check.

The order goes a step further and impacts those affected by an ordinance that allowed police to arrest people for being “in a place where illegal drugs or narcotics are sold or possessed.” Though this ordinance was repealed in 2007, many still live with disorderly conduct convictions on their records.

We applaud the efforts of Mayor Bottoms and her fight to fix the system that has disproportionately affected minorities and prevented many able-bodied individuals from securing adequate employment or housing. We too look forward to any day when people are able to get back on their feet and break free from the confines of a criminal record.

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Expungement

Wisconsin Government Proposes Expungement of Low-Level Marijuana Crimes

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Arrests for marijuana are the number one drug offense in Wisconsin, affecting nearly 20,000 people in 2018 alone. In the past, minor possession crimes were often charged as felonies in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Policy Forum’s 2018 report outlines possible changes to expand access to Wisconsin’s expungement laws, especially those dealing with marijuana convictions. Passage of this legislation would make it easier to shield past marijuana convictions from public view, and it would likely speed up the lengthy process. More importantly, the legislation could potentially relieve Wisconsin residents of unreasonable and unfair felony convictions.

Wisconsin Representatives introduced Assembly Bill 33 in February, with the goal of clarifying and broadening Wisconsin’s expungement laws. Expungement opportunities have been notably limited and difficult to achieve in Wisconsin’s past. Final passage of the bill would make over 80,000 cases eligible for expungement and could potentially allow greater job, housing, and educational opportunities for those who have already completed their sentences. Expunged cases in Wisconsin would still be viewable on the Online Record Check System, as Rep. Evan Goyke believes that an individual should not be allowed to permanently hide their record. Despite his opposition to record-sealing, Goyke argues the value of transparency should be balanced against the value of opportunity, and he concluded that “the balance is weighing in favor of expunging records for individuals to get a better life.” Instead of calling for automatic expungement, Assembly Bill 33 proposes a court process of shielding past convictions from the public eye. Rep. Goyke even stated that automatic expungement for victimless crimes such as marijuana possession might be appropriate. With the passage of legislation and protective expungement laws, Wisconsin residents convicted of marijuana crimes will start to see a better future on the horizon. Although AB 33 has room for improvement, many deserving citizens have been granted a sliver of hope, and this starting point could make all the difference. 

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