Based on a report from the National Public Radio-affiliate WHYY, Montgomery County’s activists are using old newspaper bins to hand out applications for marijuana convictions. The initiative is championed by Montco NORML (the county’s National Organization chapter for the Cannabis Laws Reform) and VOWD (TerraVida Victims of the War on Drugs), a non-profit subsidiary of the medical marijuana dispensary chain.
Activists have given out pardon applications to over 800 individuals up to date. They have set up two newspaper containers with applications; one is at the front of the Lansdale Public Library, and the other is at the front of Norristown’s county courthouse.
During an interview with WHYY, Governor John Fetterman termed the application approach ‘fantastic.’
Montco NORML’s director, Geoff Smith, said that activists fill the boxes every week, and they’re empty each week. He further said that the containers are readily available and cost-friendly.
The president of TerraVida VOWD, Cashman Cathie, termed the newspaper boxes ‘ a huge step-up’ for the firm.
Cathie stated in the report that the state couldn’t lose the notion that it has social justice and social equity to maintain since it lacks venture capitalists. She added that the initiative isn’t meant to enrich people; it has a social justice element, which is the responsibility of operators and proprietors to support.
Cathie further said that TerraVida VOWD has focused on helping Pennsylvanians scrape off cannabis conviction records.
Organizers disclosed that they’re planning on setting up similar bins across the state. The third container may be erected this week at the Ambler Train Station.
The initial pardon box pilot program was launched in 2019 after Norristown accented an ordinance legalizing cannabis. Montco NORML sponsored the Decrim Norristown event and had planned to launch it there; however, timing became an issue.
