Prop 207 to Clear Marijuana Convictions for Thousands of Arizonans

PHOENIX — Arizona’s passage of Proposition 207 on Nov. 3 means people age 21 and older soon will be able to buy marijuana for recreational use. But backers of the new law say it also will give some Arizonans a measure of social justice.

The initiative allows people with minor marijuana convictions to have their records expunged, or drop any pending cannabis charges. A recent ACLU study found, on average, Arizona courts gave Latino and Black defendants higher fines and longer jail terms for pot convictions than Caucasian offenders.

Dimitri Downing, founder of the Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona, said sales should begin April 5.

“January 19 is when the adult-use portion of the law takes effect, when DHS can start accepting applications for adult-use licenses,” he said. “They have to be issued by March 19, and the medicinal marijuana licenses can then sell ‘adult-use over 21.’”

Downing predicted Prop 207 will bring thousands of new jobs and millions in tax revenues to Arizona’s economy. However, opponents say it could cause a dramatic increase in the use of dangerous drugs by young people across the state.

Prop 207 went into effect this week, when state officials certified…