California to reduce and wipe away marijuana convictions

Hundreds of thousands of Californians could be gifted the second chance of meaningful employment next month when the state legalizes the sale of recreational marijuana.

Thanks to a lesser-known provision in the new legislation, up to one million people convicted of possession or even dealing will be able to apply to have their charges reduced or even cleared.

So far at least 4,500 people have filed petitions to have their sentences thrown and state officials are hoping that the effects of decades of strict laws which have adversely affected low-income minorities could be overturned.

In essence, the state is providing another opportunity to those who've been charged with almost any crime associated with weed.

From infractions to misdemeanors, all the way to felonies, former convicted criminals could have their records wiped or have their charges reduced, significantly.

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