Nevada and Colorado grant amnesty for minor cannabis offences

Nevada and Colorado have decided to expunge the criminal records of thousands of people convicted of minor cannabis-related offenses prior to legalization.

Nevada

Cannabis is legal in Nevada since 2017. And while Las Vegas has already become one of the legal tourist destinations the most popular in the country, tens of thousands of Nevada residents were still living with a criminal record for offenses that are no longer considered crimes.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced that he would submit a new resolution to automatically pardon all minor cannabis-related offenses in the state, a proposal that was accepted by the Nevada State Board of Pardons.

The resolution applies to individuals who were previously convicted one or more times for possession of one ounce (28 grams) or less. This is the first time the state has adopted a resolution to grant amnesty to thousands of people. The administration will implement a streamlined process for individuals applying for amnesty, which will be free and available online.

State Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has qualified this decision, described as a «new step toward justice,» which will make it easier for those affected by the reforms to access financial aid for college, as well as employment and housing.

Colorado

Last week, Colorado lawmakers passed a bill that would authorize the governor to expunge cannabis convictions without the involvement of the judges and prosecutors who handled the original cases. The measure, House Bill 1424, is now on its way to the office of Democratic Governor Jared Polis for his signature.

The bill was introduced just two weeks ago by Democratic Representative James Coleman. After swift approval in the Colorado House of Representatives, the bill moved to the state Senate, where it was amended to give the governor the authority to pardon convictions for possession of up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of cannabis.

«This bill is the result of effective collaboration among stakeholders that has paved the way for important social equity policies,» said a spokesperson for Jared Polis. «The governor is pleased that a significant bipartisan bill addressing cannabis equity has been passed by the legislature, and he thanks the legislators for their efforts in bringing it to his office.»

As part of Colorado’s standard amnesty process, the governor is required to notify the judge and the relevant prosecutor so that they can provide information to guide the decision. The bill also aims to promote greater social equity among workers in Colorado’s legal cannabis industry.

The vast majority of legalization proposals and U.S. states that have already legalized cannabis make social justice one of the pillars of their regulations, with the aim of both redressing the harm caused by cannabis prohibition and fostering a new, equitable industry.