The post Is Colorado About To Release Prisoners With Marijuana Convictions? appeared first on High Times.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper recently announced that he may release prisoners serving time for nonviolent, weed-related charges. With Colorado about to release prisoners with marijuana convictions, more and more states are exploring ways of granting leniency to people affected by cannabis charges.
Another Step Forward
Colorado has positioned itself at the forefront of cannabis law reform. The state approved its first legal medical marijuana program in 2000. Then, in 2012, the state voted to legalize recreational cannabis. And now, with Colorado about to release prisoners with marijuana convictions, it looks like The Centennial State is about to take another big step forward.
On Tuesday, Hickenlooper told sources about his decision. In particular, he explained that he has already identified somewhere around 40 prisoners who could be eligible for release. Each is currently serving time for nonviolent, marijuana-related charges.
Hickenlooper said that he and his administration are reviewing the prisoners’ records and looking into details regarding their cases. Authorities are also examining the prisoners’ conduct while in prison.
If officials are satisfied with the prisoners’ records, they will be invited to formally file for clemency. And Hickenlooper has made clear that those applications would receive favorable reviews.
For Hickenlooper, the decision has to do with a couple key points. For starters, he sees it as a way of dealing with overcrowded prisons. Additionally, he said releasing these prisoners would be a way of bringing law enforcement practices into line with current state laws.
“Right now, we have not enough room left in our prisons,” Hickenlooper told The Denver Post. “So if what these people are serving serious time