Nevada to seal certain marijuana convictions

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Nevada governor approves a measure that will help tens of thousands in the state

Nevada residents with marijuana convictions on their records just got a welcome reprieve, thanks to Governor Steve Sisolak. He signed a bill, Assembly Bill 192, that will lead to the sealing of certain criminal records pertaining to those convictions. The new law will take effect as of July 1 of this year.

The bill allows those with specific marijuana activities on their record to request to have the records sealed. Applicants are able to make use of the new policy free of charge and any objections to the request must be filed within ten judicial days of the application date.

In signing the bill, Sisolak stated, “As we look toward the future of our legal cannabis industry in Nevada, it’s time also to provide a better future for those who were convicted of an offense that was later decriminalized, such as marijuana possession.

“This bill, appropriately titled the Nevada Second Chance Act, would allow individuals to seal criminal records if the offenses are no longer illegal under state law, removing barriers that many Nevadans with a previous marijuana conviction face to obtaining credit, getting an apartment, or securing reliable employment.”

By sealing the records, which has also been done in other states like California and Oregon, Nevada residents with marijuana convictions will have greater access to banking facilities, loans, employment opportunities and more. It is just one step in the process of major marijuana reform that is currently taking place across the country.