When a state legalizes adult-use cannabis, it is acknowledging that public interest has turned against the continued criminalization of cannabis. However, simply repealing the prohibition of cannabis is insufficient: millions of individuals across the U.S. still bear the lifelong burden of having a cannabis record, and tens of thousands are actively serving sentences for cannabis-related convictions. California has state-initiated mechanisms for both record clearance and resentencing for individuals that have been criminalized during prohibition. With that said, the processes would benefit from broader eligibility and unfortunately, the state has failed to fully implement its record clearance law that was updated in 2022. LPP’s policy team continues to monitor the implementation of California's record clearance process to ensure the state makes good on its promise to help individuals criminalized by cannabis prohibition move on with their lives. If you have any questions about the implementation of these retroactive relief measures and how it might impact you please contact us.

Americans on both sides of the aisle support pardoning those with cannabis-related convictions. But the public needs to pressure their governors to do what’s right. Through our Pardons to Progress campaign, you can urge your governor to deliver bold action and immediate relief by granting clemency to the tens of thousands of people still incarcerated for cannabis in your state.