Congressional bill could help students with marijuana convictions

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The legislation would protect certain students from losing financial aid

The US certainly appears to be softening its position on cannabis, even if reform is taking a while. There are a number of bills currently in the works that would help completely revamp the ecosystem, and a new bill could prove particularly valuable for college students. The Financial Aid Fairness for Students Act (FAFSA) would reverse a previous law that prevents individuals with certain drug convictions from receiving federal education loans, grants and work-study assistance.

FARSA was introduced by Representatives Karen Bass and Danny Davis. It would repeal a previous law that makes those with convictions for possessing or selling certain drugs ineligible for federal assistance, paving the way for them to reform themselves – the very context upon which the penal system is built.

The bill reads, in part, “Recognizing that an educated citizenry is the powerhouse of the nation, that higher education allows Americans to access well-paying jobs, healthcare, strong interpersonal relationships and a higher quality of life, the Federal Government should incentivize the pursuit of higher education while ensuring equality of opportunity.”

FAFSA would also prevent the Secretary of Education from adding any question on application forms related to convictions. It has already found 32 cosponsors, including several that have been working diligently on marijuana reform laws in the country.

Davis explains that access to education would promote “economic well-being and labor force participation,” adding, “Excluding individuals who have struggled with addiction from financial assistance is an ineffective policy that has harmed tens of thousands of students. This policy unfairly targets poor and minority students and costs society more in terms of crime and lost economic productivity. Repealing this penalty is a smart, cost-effective investment of taxpayer dollars, and I will advocate for its inclusion in any reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.”