The Marijuana Conviction Expungement Report Card is released

The effect of a criminal record is very devastating for many, as many find it difficult to be accepted in society. Because of this, the National Expungement Works (NEW) has been given the task of improving social justice across the country. The corporation does this by striving to correct the grievances of the justice system for convicted criminals through free legal services for those with criminal records.

The panel has made huge strides at grassroots level and recently released its first Impact Record for 2021. Read on as we look at the content of this report and what it could mean for those with criminal records of possession of cannabis and other related offences.

Impact of Criminal Records

It is entirely possible to sit back and believe that some individuals should be sent to correctional facilities for breaking the law. However, it seems that society and its laws never really accept that these individuals are corrected. So there are several barriers that limit their full integration into society. Alicia Brown, director of development and charitable partnerships at NEW, explained that criminal records force many black and brown Americans to face racial discrimination.

With over 70 million people falling into the category of criminals, they form a great bank of the nation’s population and workforce. There are over 48,000 barriers preventing such individuals from housing, voting, education, employment and other opportunities. NEW seeks to end such impacts by offering an annual program that includes advocacy, legal assistance, and all-round services.

Highlight of the 2021 report

Since 2021 was a challenging year in many ways, the NEW was able to achieve great success. Here are the main highlights of the report the panel has produced in relation to its activities throughout the year.

• Generate over $700 million in public benefits, including reductions in public spending, increases in wages and other benefits over the next two years

• Supporting various political efforts that resulted in over 65,000 Americans having records erased and sealed.

• Conducted dozens of events in different regions of the country for all-round services such as food and product giveaways, health screenings, employment workshops and legal assistance.

• Assisted Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón in the identification of approximately 66,000 convictions for cannabis-related crimes. This is intended to reverse the injustices of the drug laws.

• Running various support programs such as the annual Week of Action & Awareness (WOAA) which included 21 events both online and on-site in 10 cities with over 1,500 participants.

• Creation of the NEW grant program in partnership with other nonprofit organizations to provide platforms for information and eligibility sessions for over 1,300 people in 19 cities across the country.

Purpose of the National Expungement Works

LaTorie Marshall, Founder of the NEW, explained the goal-oriented purpose of the NEW, which facilitated action taken in 2021. He explained that the actions taken in 2021 were in line with the body’s mission, which is why they sought to partner with the organizers with the same mandate. He also explains that beyond the heights reached in 2021, in 2022 the NEW will launch a 5-year wealth plan. This plan has to do with his grant program, as he hopes to impact all communities, which Marshall says will make them a better place for ex-offender integration.

Over 65,000 people have been beneficiaries since the cancellation procedure. All-round services such as job support, health screening, food security and housing have helped over 7,000 people directly. 950 people were also exempted from their fines or reduced their fines. This is good news for people with a history of being on the wrong side of the law for cannabis-related crimes. A number of top cannabis companies and major corporations participate in NEW activities to ensure these individuals have access to the opportunities they deserve. The Biden administration in the US made a pledge to eliminate marijuana while running for office, but has yet to deliver on that pledge to the American people.

Canopy Growth Corporation and NEW

The NEW is aimed at all offenders, but has a special status for people with cannabis offences. This can be easily seen from the successful partnership with Canopy Growth Corporation, which has been a leading sponsor of the organization since the beginning of their move. The cannabis industry benefits greatly from NEW’s actions as many crimes for which people were imprisoned have now been legalized. Hilary Black, Chief Advocacy Office at Canopy Growth Corporation, states that cannabis companies should be committed to delivering equity for social impact. He explains that Canopy Growth is trying to achieve this through a partnership with a community organization.

Canopy Growth remains committed to alleviating the hardships faced by communities that deserve justice, particularly those caused by the criminal justice system. Hilary believes that end-to-end services like NEW’s Brake Light Clinics are critical to addressing the roadblocks facing communities affected by justice. Canopy Growth is a leader in cannabis and cannabinoid-based products. The organization is committed to unlocking the potential of the natural herb, ending prohibition and empowering communities. It offers a wide range of products including oil, dried flower, softgel capsules, infused beverages, topicals and edibles.

About Canopy Growth Corporation

The National Expungement Works is made up of 632 volunteers and diverse organizations dedicated to bringing social justice to individuals and communities affected by justice. Many of the individuals NEW serves are deeply affected by systemic inequalities and injustices caused by policies like the War on Drugs. Although this war was not won, stereotypes and other evils associated with cannabis are slowly being eradicated.

The NEW is open to new people as the body looks to healing people and communities. For more information on what the body entails, visit newxnow.org. You can also follow NEW on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. You may well be on your way to giving the next person in your company access to a better life.

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