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IPFS News Link • Washington State

Seattle Voids Criminal Records for Pot Convictions, Giving People a Second Chance

• https://thefreethoughtproject.com

All too often, homeless or otherwise unemployed people are accused of being lazy or complacent because they do not have a job. However, many of those people don't have jobs because—thanks to the government's war on drugs—they've become unemployable. Because of a massive and successful backlash against a portion of the war on drugs, however, many of these folks are now getting a second chance.

It is no secret that a marijuana conviction is a blow to individual freedom—even if you were lucky enough not to go to jail or have already gotten out. A drug conviction limits the ability for people to get a job, borrow money, or even find a place to live. This attack on freedom then leads to a function known as recidivism which limits an individual's choices thereby fostering an environment which will lead to that person ending up back in jail.

The city of Seattle is taking action to help those whose lives have been thrown off track after getting caught by police with a plant. Officials have filed a motion in municipal court that will vacate—retroactively void—all misdemeanor marijuana convictions in the city.

As Fortune Magazine reports, according to a statement from Mayor Jenny Durkan, the request would effect 542 people. The city has also requested the dismissal of outstanding misdemeanor possession charges.


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