Cannabis legalization is rapidly sweeping the nation as lawmakers move toward ending prohibition. As of July 2021, 37 states You have a medical marijuana program, and 18 states voted to fully legalize recreational use. With such a rapid change in the way the nation views cannabis, it is no surprise that there is an urgent appeal to grant amnesty to nonviolent cannabis perpetrators currently imprisoned for their crimes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cannabis dispensaries were considered “essential business,” which further validated these pleas. Celebrities like Kevin Garnett, Drake and Dion Sanders have used their public platforms to draw attention to a petition urging President Biden to grant a “full and unconditional amnesty” to anyone who spends time on cannabis-related offenses.
More than 150 actors, producers, athletes, and other professionals have signed for letter to the president, Hoping to fulfill his election promises. So, what is the current status of the American cannabis amnesty? Will there be any action to release prisoners and erase their records?
Biden’s campaign to pardon promises
During the 2019 Democratic primary debate, presidential candidate Joe Biden said: “I think we should decriminalize marijuana, period. And I think everyone — anyone with a record — should get out of prison, cross out their records, and write them off completely.” This was a key campaign promise that garnered much praise for Biden from voters willing to see marijuana reform at the federal level.
The former vice president preferred decriminalizing marijuana possession during the Obama administration, although he has faced some criticism for his views on legal cannabis. A 2020 Gallup poll showed that 7 out of 10 Americans would prefer the complete legalization of cannabis. However, Biden has yet to push the needle beyond his belief that no one should have a criminal record of marijuana use.
Biden Evolution in drug policy It may still hold the promise of sweeping federal reform. Whether or not a full and unconditional amnesty for cannabis will become part of the Biden administration’s legacy. However, several states have worked on deletion and pardon programs to assess when and where it is appropriate to pardon people convicted of marijuana-related offenses.
State amnesty programs for cannabis
The president cannot simply change the laws as they are written. However, he can determine how and when the law is enforced, and he has the power to grant pardons for federal crimes.
In addition, the president may issue a general pardon to a group of people, which means he can grant cannabis pardons for all marijuana-related crimes. When it comes to state under state laws, governors have the power to grant pardons under state criminal law, and many have taken action.
Colorado
Marijuana is legal for recreational and medical use in Colorado. Colorado took action against a cannabis amnesty in 2017 by closing misdemeanor records of marijuana possession or use on or after December 10, 2012. Urging the granting of a motion to seal records. Additionally, this law included convictions for marijuana cultivation prior to October 1, 2013.
In October 2020, Governor Polis pardon All persons convicted of possession of one ounce or less throughout the state of Colorado.
Illinois
Marijuana is legal for recreational and medical use in Illinois. In 2019, the state moved to automatically cancel arrests and convictions for minor cannabis offenses. This is defined as no more than 30 grams, no product improvement, and no violence involved. Furthermore, it authorized write-offs for misdemeanors and felonies for greater amounts when solicited by the aggrieved individual, or as authorized by the state’s attorney.
Governor Pritzker pardoned 11,017 people for cannabis in December 2019. A year later, he pardoned another 9,219 people. To date, it has cleared nearly 500,000 conviction records.
North Dakota
Marijuana has been decriminalized in North Dakota. In 2019, the ND Pardon advisory board adopted a policy to allow people convicted of marijuana possession to apply for a pardon. Although limited to only the previous five years, this was a major step forward for the historically conservative state.
In January 2020, the governor pardoned and encouraged 16 people who applied and encouraged them More people to apply For pardons, the number of people eligible for a staggering pardon is estimated at 175,000.
Nevada
Marijuana is legal for recreational and medical use in Nevada. If a person is convicted of an offense of cannabis that is no longer illegal, submit a Request To court, the record qualifies to be stamped. However, the plaintiff has the right to object but must show a valid reason for the objection.
In June 2020, the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners (on behalf of the governor) pardoned more than 15,000 people convicted of possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.
Pennsylvania
In 2019, the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons created a group a program It would review cases of nonviolent cannabis offenders. An application must be submitted for consideration of pardon or disqualification.
Washington
Marijuana is legal for recreational and medical use in Washington. Here, anyone convicted of misdemeanor marijuana can apply to court to have their conviction overturned. This program applies to persons over the age of 21.
Governor Inslee has pardoned cannabis for several people who were convicted under laws that are no longer in effect. This is part of Washington Marijuana Justice Initiative.
Cannabis Crime Eradication or Seal Laws
Many states have adopted some type of policy either to offer clemency, full amnesty, or write off records. Deletion is the complete deletion of the criminal record, such that a person who has previously been arrested or convicted of marijuana offenses does not have to seek arrest or conviction since there is no legal evidence that this ever happened. In addition to the above states’ amnesty and erasure policy, the following states have also implemented plans to close records for cannabis offenders.
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Virginia
Since each country has the authority to develop its own amnesty programmes, Terms and Conditions vary widely. Time limitations, application procedures, and details surrounding an arrest or conviction play a role in eligibility. On 40000 Americans are having a hard time doing crimes that would no longer be illegal if they were committed in the current cannabis climate. Many of these people simply owned marijuana, and no “crime” had been committed.
in the name of ACLU ReportsBlacks are likely to be the victims of these arrests. In addition, thousands of men and women of color have served—and still do—time to commit nonviolent marijuana-related crimes. While it is commendable that states take action, this is simply not enough. The amnesty for cannabis at the federal level is a matter of justice that must be activated now.
