On Friday, January 13, two leading legal and racial justice organizations are hosting a free expungement clinic to help those convicted of low-level marijuana offenses clear their records.

New Jersey voted overwhelmingly to legalize weed on election day in 2020.

Why Is This Important?

Actually, it is essential. As more and more states legalize cannabis, many Black Americans and other  marginalized communities are still having trouble obtaining post-conviction relief. As a result of the War on Drugs, these groups were disproportionately arrested and sentenced on marijuana-related charges.

Indeed, Blacks are 3.8 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana despite similar usage rates.

Pardon Vs. Expungement: What's The Difference?

While pardons, such as President Biden's October pardon of 6,500 federal pot prisoners, provide a level of forgiveness for past crimes, these are not the same as expungements – which seal past convictions from public view. 

 A prior marijuana conviction, even for possessing tiny amounts, can have dire consequences and become a major barrier to accessing opportunities and much-needed resources to advance one's quality of life, leading to a continuous cycle of economic hardships. These individuals cannot receive public benefits, apply for student loans or secure a well-paying job, to name a few drawbacks.

Hence, the expungement of simple cannabis offenses is essential.