Rhode Islanders with a criminal record for marijuana possession are being encouraged to apply to have the cases expunged as part of the state's new legalization of the drug.
The Providence Journal reports protocols are still being developed, but there's no waiting necessary to apply to the county court where the charges were filed.
A spokesperson for the state court system says no one has taken advantage so far. Offenses including intent to deliver or manufacturing are not eligible.
When lawmakers passed the measure, Representative Scott Slater who represents Providence hailed the expungement part of the new law.
"The starting line isn’t the same for people in poor, urban and minority communities, and they deserve support to ensure they get the full benefit of participating in legalization. I am grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of expungement of criminal records and equity in licensing, because they are absolutely critical to ending prohibition fairly.”
Rhode Island lawmakers decriminalized simple possession of the drug a decade ago.
(Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images