A state lawmaker has proposed clearing the criminal records of people convicted of possessing or using marijuana. It would apply to misdemeanor convictions prior to voter approval of a ballot question legalizing recreational marijuana in Michigan.
State Senator Jeff Irwin is a Democrat from Ann Arbor. He says voters last year strongly registered their support for legalizing marijuana.
“So, a part of that is making sure that not only we stop prohibition and we stop the wasteful failed effort, but also that we reach back and provide relief to all those folks that were hurt by prohibition.”
Irwin says 235 thousand people would automatically have their records expunged. Others would have to ask a court to wipe away their marijuana convictions.
The state Senate’s Republican leaders say they don’t have a position yet on the legislation.