{"id":47804,"date":"2021-05-20T08:51:21","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T16:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2021\/05\/20\/michigan-push-to-help-people-expunge-marijuana-convictions-launches\/"},"modified":"2021-05-20T13:45:31","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T21:45:31","slug":"michigan-push-to-help-people-expunge-marijuana-convictions-launches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/2021\/05\/20\/michigan-push-to-help-people-expunge-marijuana-convictions-launches\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Push To Help People Expunge Marijuana Convictions Launches"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

\u201cPast criminal offenses can create unnecessary barriers to housing and employment long after someone has paid their dues to society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

By Scott McClallen, The Center Square<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several Michigan law firms, criminal justice groups, and cannabis reform organizations have teamed up to form the Great Lakes Expungement Network<\/a> to help people expunge records under Michigan\u2019s new \u201cClean Slate\u201d law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The network is supported by the nonprofit Redemption Foundation, founded by the Redemption Cannabis brand, and the nonprofit Sons and Daughters United, which helps low-income, underprivileged and minority populations.<\/p>\n

\u201cPast criminal offenses can create unnecessary barriers to housing and employment long after someone has paid their dues to society,\u201d Josh Covert, the network\u2019s legal services director and partner at Michigan Cannabis Lawyers, said in a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo many people have been harmed by cannabis prohibition, so we want to help them take advantage of Michigan\u2019s Clean Slate law and usher them through the application process.\u201d<\/p>\n

A University of Michigan Law study<\/a> found that individuals who expunged their records experienced a wage jump of 25 percent, attained better housing options, and increased employment likelihood by 11 percent.<\/p>\n

But that study estimated only 6.5 percent of those able to wipe their records did so within five years of eligibility due to costs and other complications. So the network aims to make expungement more accessible.<\/p>\n

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) has said up to 1 million Michigan residents may newly qualify for expungement under the law that took effect this year.<\/p>\n

Ryan Basore, a founder of The Redemption Foundation and the Redemption Cannabis brand, aims to change those numbers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people are unaware of their eligibility, and even more are burdened by complicated forms and the hefty expense which can cost thousands of dollars on average,\u201d Ryan Basore, president of the Redemption Foundation, said in a statement. \u201cOrganizers at the Great Lake Expungement Network are dedicated to helping people navigate the state\u2019s complex expungement process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Law firms supporting the Great Lakes Expungement Network include:<\/p>\n