Problem: For decades, Oregonians have been convicted of crimes relating to cannabis that are no longer illegal.  The long-term impact of these convictions on Oregonians is often severe. Convictions can hinder a citizen’s ability to find employment, qualify for federal benefits, find and secure housing, and many other aspects of everyday life.  

Multiple statistical studies have shown how people of color have disproportionately borne the brunt of the failed drug war, and the negative impacts for drug convictions.  The current process in Oregon for expungement is done through an application process, usually requiring the help of an attorney, and adding unnecessary barriers that further hinder those with the least amount of resources from having their record cleared. 

By acting, the legislature can remove many of those past convictions automatically.

Solution: Support SB420, which aims to automatically expunge past cannabis misdemeanors that would no longer be illegal under the law today, and establish a simplified process to reduce past cannabis felonies to misdemeanors when appropriate.

Oregon should join Washington, California, and the ten other states that have acted to- or are currently working toward – automatically correcting records for those charges.

For those dealing with past convictions, this issue cannot wait.  Please act now.

WE URGE YOU TO SUPPORT SB420 TO HELP PROVIDE JUSTICE 
TO THE VICTIMS OF THE FAILED WAR 

The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA) is a trade association of over 300 member businesses working to develop smart cannabis policy that promotes a robust retail cannabis marketplace in Oregon.