420 with CNW — Governor Enacts Cannabis Expungements Resolution into Law

Last week, the governor of Louisiana enacted into law a measure that made it easier for individuals with first-time convictions on cannabis possession to apply for record expungement. This comes after the governor signed a resolution in 2021 that decriminalized the possession of no more than 14 grams of marijuana.

The initiative in question, which was introduced by Rep. Delisha Boyd, was advanced through the legislature about two weeks ago. This measure makes it so that individuals convicted of possessing no more than 14 grams of marijuana as a first offense can get their record expunged 90 days after they were convicted.

This approval by Gov. John Bel Edwards will reduce the relief timeline, especially since the current legislation allows people to clear their records after a five-year period.

Prior to its approval, the resolution was amended in a House committee to stipulate that cannabis possession cases that involved more than 14 grams weren’t eligible for expungement. The amendments also eliminated a provision that waived court processing fees for first-time marijuana expungements.

The measure, which will go into effect on Aug. 1, 2023, set $300 as fees for record expungement. The bill stipulates that the processing fees collected will be allocated in equal proportions to the sheriff’s general fund and the district attorney’s office. It also includes a template for a motion to clear records that individuals can fill and submit to the court in their jurisdiction.

Currently, 70% of people in the state of Louisiana support the legalization of recreational cannabis possession for adults. Results from the same survey also found that 90% in Louisiana support the legalization of medical marijuana.

Despite these favorable attitudes, cannabis legalization by the legislature has stalled. However, legislators have taken steps to reform marijuana laws and improve the state’s medical cannabis program. For instance, a measure that would ensure individuals remained eligible for unemployment benefits if they were registered medical marijuana patients was recently cleared by a House committee.

Additionally, regulators gave physicians a temporary go-ahead to continue issuing medical cannabis recommendations through telemedicine in 2022. Furthermore, a legislative task force passed rules in 2022 that provided worker protections for medical marijuana patients.

During the previous session, Gov. Edwards signed various cannabis reform measures, including one that would prevent law enforcement officers from conducting searches in individuals’ homes over the smell of marijuana.  Another reform measure that was signed would increase the number of medical dispensaries that could operate in the state of Louisiana.

As more reforms are enacted in Louisiana and elsewhere around the country, business could improve for various enterprises, such as Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX), since the improved operating environment would support more growers that would in turn need more cultivation equipment.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Advanced Container Technologies Inc. (OTC: ACTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/ACTX

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.

Archives

Select A Month

Official NewsWire Relationships

Alternative Products Expo Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Cannabis Business Summit & Expo 2019 Cannabis Drinks Expo Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition Cannexpo Marigold PR MjMicro Conference New England Cannabis Network O'Cannabiz Conference & Expo Tether BudTender Tether BudTender Appreciation Week

CannabisNewsWire Currently Accepts

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Cash

Bitcoin Cash

Doge Coin

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Ethereum

Litecoin

Litecoin

USD Coin

USD Coin

Contact us: 303.498.7722