Since the legalization of cannabis in Illinois in 2020, organizations in the state are working to expunge the crime records left after its decriminalization. The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation formed a network called New Leaf Illinois, with the Illinois General Assembly’s support, which provides free legal aid for citizens seeking expungement. Past cannabis arrests and convictions can put up barriers for people wanting to ‘turn over a new leaf.’  The records can be accessed by almost any organizations and can bar those from jobs, and housing.

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