The PLBC isn’t just calling for the same-old reform! The state’s PLBC has laid out a specific set of policies they want to see incorporated. Their focus is on social equity and criminal justice reform along-size adult-use cannabis.
“It is time that we invest in the restoration of communities that have been impacted, we return incarcerated persons to their families, and we provide entrepreneurs with a pathway to lead in this emerging marketplace,” said PLBC chair, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson. This would include automatic expungements for past cannabis convictions and the creation of a social equity fund.
During the press briefing, the caucus discussed their desires including seeing legalization of cannabis for adults but with emphasis on doing so in a way that uplifts communities that have been disproportionately impacted by criminalization.
“We, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, want to state publicly what we have long argued privately: It is time that we invest in the restoration of communities that have been impacted,” Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D), chair of the caucus, said. “So many stakeholders and lawmakers and other states have already affirmed these moral imperatives, and we are convinced that Pennsylvania will do the same.”
Further: Nelson said the caucus “will not accept the advancement of an adult-use program that still holds incarcerated individuals that have previously been convicted for cannabis activity.” Members are seeking automatic expungements for past cannabis convictions, resentencing for those currently incarcerated, the correction of past record scores and a means of recouping the value of items seized via asset forfeitures.
“It is time that we offer uniform compensation for wrongly incarcerated Pennsylvanians,” he said.
Let’s break this down:
They want it legal and, they want the people that are in jail for it let free. I think it makes sense. It’s what I’ve been saying all along. I’ve spent a lot of time in PA. I’m aware of what some locations are like. I’ll leave it there. It is also a beautiful state. It would be even better if they are successful. Here’s to them!
(This article will be updated as there’s more information available.)
