The post California Could Dismiss ALL Marijuana Convictions Dating Back To 1975 appeared first on High Times.
Here’s some groundbreaking and optimistic news: California could dismiss all marijuana convictions from the past 40 years.
Californians with convictions for marijuana-related misdemeanors will see their records cleared, as prosecutors up and down the Golden State begin dismissing convictions going all the way back to 1975. Others with felony convictions could see their offenses reduced to misdemeanors.
The News From San Francisco
In San Francisco last week, District Attorney George Gascon announced that his office will be automatically applying provisions of Prop 64 to remove convictions going back to 1975 for activities that are now legal under state law. Gascon noted that policies of the past were unevenly enforced, and disproportionally affected minorities.
“We want to address the wrongs that were caused by the failures of the war on drugs for many years in this country and begin to fix some of the harm that was done not only to the entire nation but specifically to communities of color,” said Gascon.
Prop 64, passed by California voters in 2016, legalized the recreational adult-use of cannabis and provides for a regulated commercial market for marijuana products. It also allows those with convictions for offenses that are no longer illegal to clear their records.
But under the law, those provisions aren’t automatic and can be costly. Those wishing to have their convictions removed are required to petition the court, usually requiring the services of an attorney to create and file their paperwork. District Attorney Gascon said that his action will remove that burden and allow the law to benefit all people equally.
“While this relief is already