I like it! :horns up

http://www.marijuana.com/news/2015/03/connecticut-is-wiping-away-marijuana-convictions-from-records

Connecticut decriminalized cannabis in 2011, but that ruling didn’t do much for the lives of those arrested for marijuana possession before 2011. Like many individuals languishing behind bars, behind pot, or with "bad" criminal records across America thanks to a little marijuana, previous convictions still remained on Connecticut citizens’ records.

But earlier this week Connecticut’s Supreme Court flipped the script by way of a 7-0 unanimous decision clearing the path for anyone with minor marijuana possession arrests (less than half an ounce) to finally have clean slates. Ironically, this major policy change stems from the case of one medical marijuana patient who decided to take action.

Nicholas Menditto was arrested and convicted for low-level pot possession twice prior to 2011 (in 2009). But given the bizarre previous logic, even though Connecticut decriminalized cannabis, Menditto’s record remained stained.

So he took it to the courts and an Appellate Court in Connecticut who ruled against him. Then he took it to the state Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court overwhelmingly reigned supreme. And it’s a fallen domino that should resonate to other states.

The historic decision has not received enough attention, and could (and should) pave the way for similar efforts in other states. While Oregon is justly considering a similar measure, this issue–just like legalization and decriminalization–should become a federal one wiped away with the signature of one Barack Obama.

That won’t happen till decriminalization happens on the federal level. But that will happen because the times in America are changing. And the clock isn’t ever going back to prohibition.

:weedspin :weedspin :weedspin