Governor of Nevada Pardons Thousands With Marijuana Convictions

Nevada residents that have been convicted of low-level marijuana possession could receive pardons under a new measure implemented by Governor Steve Sisolak, according to Marijuana Moment.

In 2019 the governor put into effect a bill that allowed people with cannabis convictions for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana to petition the court to expunge their record.

According to the publication, the board will meet on Wednesday, June 17 to discuss the resolution regarding pardons for people convicted of minor marijuana possession.  Pardons do not void convictions, however they can restore the right to vote, own a firearm, or serve on a jury.

Nevada will not be the first state to offer pardons, governors of both Washington State and Illinois have issued pardons since cannabis was legalized in their states.

Other state officials have argued that marijuana reform is a big step in addressing racial inequities.  Virginia governor Ralph Northam said that marijuana decriminalization represents one way his state is addressing racial inequities that inspired mass protests over police killings of black Americans.

Read the full story on Marijuana Moment.