The legalization of cannabis in New Jersey marked a turning point for the state, but not everyone has been able to move forward. For thousands of people across New Jersey and beyond, cannabis convictions still remain on their records, despite those same actions now being legal or decriminalized. These records continue to impact their daily lives, keeping doors closed and opportunities out of reach.
While legalization was meant to deliver justice, the job is far from finished. Expungement is one of the most impactful ways to address this gap. By clearing eligible cannabis-related records, individuals have a greater chance at rebuilding their lives, without the lasting stigma of a conviction.
The Employment Barrier: When a Record Follows You Everywhere
A criminal record, especially for nonviolent drug offenses, creates significant barriers to employment. According to a report by the Brennan Center for Justice, nearly 9 in 10 employers, 4 in 5 landlords, and 3 in 5 colleges use background checks to screen applicants. A cannabis conviction, even for something now legal, can lead to job rejections, housing denials, and blocked educational access.
Studies from the Prison Policy Initiative show that formerly incarcerated individuals face an unemployment rate of over 27%, which is higher than the Great Depression. Even those who were never incarcerated but have a record of arrest or conviction struggle to secure stable work, especially in industries like healthcare, education, and law enforcement. For many, the record becomes a life sentence of limited opportunity.
The harm falls disproportionately on Black and Latino communities, who have historically faced higher arrest rates for cannabis-related charges despite comparable usage rates to white communities. While cannabis legalization is a step toward equity, expungement is what gives that step meaning.
CannaVibes Dispensary: A Local Business Leading With Purpose
CannaVibes Dispensary is a woman and minority-owned business rooted in the belief that the cannabis industry should serve the community, not just profit from it. Located in Elmwood Park, NJ, CannaVibes is built on values of equity, access, and education, with a mission to uplift the very people the war on drugs harmed.
From the first day, the CannaVibes team has prioritized community engagement, customer support, and removing the stigma around cannabis use. Whether welcoming first-time visitors or long-time patients, the dispensary operates with care, cultural competency, and transparency. Supporting expungement is a natural extension of those values.
Partnering with other mission-driven organizations, CannaVibes is working to create not just access to cannabis products, but access to freedom, second chances, and restored dignity.
About the Expungement Clinic Event: Free, Local, and Impactful
On November 15, 2025, CannaVibes will host a Free Community Expungement Event at its Elmwood Park location. The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and is open to individuals 21 and older.
This event is designed to provide support to those who are eligible to have their cannabis-related records expunged. Legal professionals and advocates will be present to assist attendees with understanding their rights, starting the process, and accessing the necessary tools. This is not a one-size-fits-all service, it is personal, hands-on guidance at no cost to those attending.
The event is made possible through a powerful coalition of partners including Illicit, Blaze Responsibly, Verano, Miss Grass, and The Botanist; all committed to restorative justice and meaningful reform.
Event Details:
- CannaVibes Dispensary
- 1 US-46, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
- November 15, 2025
- 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Must be 21 years or older to attend
Why Expungement Matters for the Future of Cannabis
This kind of work, directly supporting expungement and community healing, is more than a goodwill effort. It is a model for how cannabis businesses can and should contribute to equity, justice, and the long-term evolution of the industry.
Every person who walks away from this clinic with a clearer record walks into a future with more options and fewer barriers. That is what progress looks like.
To attend or share this opportunity, visit www.tinyurl.com/cannavibes. Together, we can create a cannabis industry that does more than sell, it can help repair.
Veronica Castillo, known as Vee the Traveling Cannabis Writer, has spent over six years journeying across the United States documenting cannabis communities, cultures, and the economic impact of cannabis tourism. She is the author of “Cannabis Legacy Chronicles Series: The Traveling Cannabis Writer’s Guide to America’s Hidden Gems,” chronicling six years of documenting resilience, challenges, and inspiration across legal cannabis markets. She has a background bridging professional business insights and creative storytelling, offering a unique perspective on how cannabis tourism drives local economic development.
