Federal Cannabis Expungement Bill Introduced in U.S. Congress
Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has introduced The Clean Slate for Marijuana Offenses Act of 2015, a proposal that creates a pathway for the following two groups of federal cannabis offenders to have their charges expunged (removed) from their criminal record: those who were federally charged for activity that was state legal at the time; and those whose offense was the possession of an ounce or less of cannabis.
“The penalties of failed prohibition policies should stop ruining people’s lives. The Clean Slate for Marijuana Offenses Act of 2015 follows Oregon’s lead to provide a pathway for expunging certain federal marijuana crimes,” said Representative Blumenauer in a press release. “People who were caught up in the federal criminal justice system for a marijuana offense that was legal under state law at the time should not carry around a drug record. I support legalizing marijuana at the federal level to put a stop to any state-federal conflicts once and for all, but it is also important that we create pathways for expungement for those who should never have been charged in the first place.”
In addition to creating a pathway for expungement for any individual with a federal criminal record associated with a cannabis offense that was legal under their state at the time, the legislation also creates a pathway for expungement for anyone who has a federal record associated with possessing an ounce or less of cannabis.
“While the number of people who meet this category is low, due to the fact that most small marijuana offenses are charged at the local level, this legislation sends a strong signal to state and local jurisdictions that allowing opportunities for expungement for certain marijuana offenders should happen at all levels of law enforcement”, according to the press release.
– TheJointBlog
joseph
I am a responsible user of marijuanna and have been involved in the system for having an empty pot pipe. This cost me and my family. A reputation and my job which ruined our lives in the town we lived in. Needless to say We moved since then. It would be comforting to know my choice in anxiety medicine was no longer a crime. I get sick from alcohol and also do not desire to be alcoholic. I also never use marijuanna for no reason or recreationally. I enjoy it before attending crowdedbevents etc or i use it as a substitute for my currentlynlegal prescribed xanax which does nothing but make me feel sluggish and tired as well as unproductive. I love the concentration it allows me to have as well. Without it id be on NUMEROUS meds all counteracting one another. Adderal xanax zoloft and my muscle relaxer xanaflex.
Michael John Dalton
It is time for the FEDERAL Government to let adults , buy Regulate Cannabis at a approved dispensaries througout
USA., would you won’t YOUR 21 year old buying Cannabis on at street CONNER or at approved dispensaries? Make the laws so one can do this in the privatise OF ones home .
Law should be very tough on anyone saleing it to Minors just as it is for alcohol. Why not the goverment TAX it . Look at the States that legalization is ok to have Cannabis and the TAXING THAT IT GENERATES. WHY DO WE CONTINUE TO LET THE DRUG CARTELS MAKE THIS ?
Dyson
While Blumenauer admits the numbers of federal marijuana possession charges are annually low in his bill announcement, the Congressman hopes introducing the bill today will create a precedent at the federal level that states will follow. He adds that the bill “also sends a strong signal to state and local jurisdictions that allowing a pathway for expungement for certain marijuana offenders should happen at all levels of law enforcement.