Republican Senator Rand Paul has been keeping busy lately, and he’s making moves that could have a big impact on cannabis laws.
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What Happened
Last week, Senator Paul introduced two major cannabis-related proposals. The first aims to loosen federal restrictions on hemp by increasing the allowable THC content from 0.3% to 1%. But that wasn’t the only piece of cannabis legislation he put forward.
Paul also introduced the Clean Slate Act, a bill designed to help people with low-level, nonviolent marijuana-related offenses clean up their records. This new measure would allow individuals convicted of simple drug possession to request that their records be sealed, especially for cases that don’t qualify for automatic expungement.
The bill is a companion to a similar one that was introduced in the House back in 2023 by Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Nancy Mace (R-SC). Unfortunately, that version didn’t make it to the House floor, as Kyle Jaeger from Marijuana Moment pointed out.
Why This Matters
This bipartisan legislation, which Paul co-sponsored with Democratic Senator Bob Casey, could make a huge difference for people who have been held back by past convictions. According to Paul and Casey, the bill would give millions of Americans a shot at a fresh start by automatically sealing the records of those convicted of low-level, nonviolent drug offenses, once they’ve completed their sentences.
Beyond that, the legislation would also create a process where individuals can petition a federal judge to review and possibly seal records for other nonviolent crimes that don’t qualify for automatic relief.
In a press release, Senator Casey emphasized the importance of helping people move forward with their lives once they’ve served their time. “This legislation will ensure that parents, workers, and families who have successfully completed their sentence can build successful lives that are unburdened by minor, nonviolent criminal histories,” Casey said.
State-Level Efforts
While the Clean Slate Act is a federal effort, several states have already taken steps to give people with minor cannabis convictions a second chance. States like Minnesota, Colorado, Connecticut, and New York are pushing similar legislative measures, hoping to offer relief to those affected by outdated cannabis laws.
It’s clear that momentum is building, both at the state and federal levels, for clearing the records of people who have been penalized for low-level marijuana offenses. If successful, the Clean Slate Act could provide a significant opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives without the burden of a criminal record.
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