I always want the bad news first, don't you?
So the bad news is this:
There are 500,000 Canadians (the population of Newfoundland!) that still have criminal records for minor cannabis related offences and only 536 Bill C-93 pardons (expedited record suspensions for simple possession) have been granted since the law changed in 2018. That has major life implications including lack of access to education, employment and housing.
But the good news is:
We have some really amazing advocates, lobbyists and educators who are working diligently to keep moving the needle(s) forward. Organizations like Canniknow, Merrco, Business of Cannabis and Another Room have all done tremendous work to support this community.
And the better news is:
Cannabis Amnesty Canada is a not-for-profit advocacy group that was founded in 2018 and they have undoubtedly been the most impactful in terms of generating momentum, creating awareness and using their voices to right the historical wrongs caused by decades of cannabis prohibition with an emphasis on it's impacts on racialized and marginalized communities.
Their team works night and day to address the slow moving process and the stigmas people with cannabis convictions are forced to endure even though their offences are no longer illegal under the Cannabis Act. Most of us could never imagine what that would be like and thankfully most of us won't ever have to but for many of those that do, Cannabis Amnesty Canada has been and continues to be a life changing force of good.
Their mission is not easy but it is in theory, quite simple "Together, we will right the wrongs of the past and help thousands of Canadians reclaim their lives" and we here at Beach Budds are committed to helping do exactly that.
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