On April 20, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced a new program for members of the city. Called Pardons for Progress, thousands qualify for a blanket pardon for previous cannabis possession charges.
Pardon
“Today, I’m so happy to announce blanket pardons for those with closed marijuana possession convictions in the city between 1990 and 2020. This will pardon more than 15,000 individuals simultaneously,” the Mayor said in a press release.
However, there are some limitations to those who qualify. First, only closed cases between 1990 and 2020 qualify for this pardon. If the case is currently open, they must finish their trial period and they will not qualify for a future pardon at this time. Second, the conviction must be the Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, second degree. That’s a class A misdemeanor. But qualifying pardons are only for those that happened in the Birmingham Municipal Court.
Mayor Woodfin goes on to say:
“Here’s why we’re doing this – no one should be held up by a single past mistake. No one should be denied job opportunities or freedoms due to missteps from the past. No longer will these residents be bound to their past. They deserve a chance to be part of our workforce, to provide for their families and to achieve success on their own. That new life starts rights here, today, with forgiveness and redemption.”
Current Alabama Cannabis Laws
While Mayor Woodfin takes a step forward towards decriminalizing cannabis, the Senate and House are working on a bill to legalize medical cannabis. SB 46, known as the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, around 20 medical conditions qualify for medical cannabis through physician recommendation. Right now, SB 46 is waiting for a full House vote. However, debate may be delayed for several weeks. The House still has to discuss the state’s spending plan according to the House Speaker.
Lawmakers have expressed concern. The longer the bill gets pushed back, the more likely it is to die without a hearing. The legislative session ends in May. But Alabama is feeling pressure from Mississippi right now to legalize medical cannabis. Mississippi voters approved IM 65 by 74 percent, which legalized medical cannabis in the state. They are currently experiencing some negotiation issues and the state’s Supreme Court will be hearing arguments for and against medical cannabis legalization.
Future
Right now, Alabama residents will have to wait for the House to discuss SB 46. If approved, it moves to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk. She has not given any indication if she will approve or veto the bill should it make it that far. But Birmingham is moving forward with decriminalization. And a step forward is always the hardest part.
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