Members of Congress have introduced a bill to help people clear cannabis misdemeanors from their records.
On Friday, July 29, Troy Carter (D-LA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced legislation that would erase low-level cannabis-related infractions at the federal level.
A press release from Congressman Carter says the bill would create a process to erase non-felony cannabis convictions lingering in the federal system.
According to the release, The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act would bring justice to countless Americans whose lives have been adversely affected by misdemeanor cannabis offenses.
The release notes that cannabis is legal for adult or medical use in 38 states.
“I’m proud to introduce The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act, bipartisan legislation that will restore justice to millions of Americans who have suffered inordinate collateral consequences associated with marijuana-related misdemeanors,” says Carter. “These misdemeanors—even without a conviction—can result in restrictions to people’s ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing, and even foster parenting.”
Carter says bringing justice to people affected by cannabis-related misdemeanors is a crucial part of comprehensive cannabis reform.
Keeping Cannabis Laws Current
Congressman Davis says that due to the number of states that have legalized adult-use cannabis, the criminal justice system needs to stay current so people with related low-level misdemeanors can find employment and participate in society.
National Holistic Healing Center CEO Dr. Chanda Macias says it’s unacceptable for people to continue to have low-level cannabis convictions hanging over their heads.
“Especially as cannabis legalization, research, and reform efforts are more supported by the American people than ever before.” says Macias. “I applaud Congressman Carter for introducing this important piece of legislation that continues to reduce the harm caused by the War on Drugs and pushes towards a more equitable playing field for patients of the plant.”
Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana CEO Roz McCarthy notes that The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act will let countless Americans move forward with their lives.
McCarthy says the bill will remove an impediment to people’s economic progress and restore their ability to maximize the potential for themselves and their families.
“Addressing the negative social & economic effects permeated by marijuana prohibition at both the federal and state level will be critical as we seek to deliver comprehensive cannabis reform in this country,” says McCarthy. “I want to thank Representative Carter for introducing The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act, support (sic) expeditious movement through the procedural process, and I look forward to working with them to move this bill forward in the weeks to come.”