People Convicted of Cannabis Offences Need Clemency Amid Health Crisis

Throughout the U.S., thousands of people are incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offences. And, as explained in a piece on Forbes, these prisoners are at heightened risk during the Covid-19 health crisis. Attorneys for these offenders have been appealing for their release under this increased health threat.

Especially in cases where someone has spent many years, even decades, in prison for non-violent marijuana crimes, and may be suffering from underlying health conditions, lawyers from NORML and others are pleading for compassionate release. As detailed in the article, these pleas have met with mixed results.

In one case, 72 year old John Knock, who is serving consecutive life terms, lawyers argue that, “…it is time for District Courts to immediately reduce the sentences of cannabis crime lifers in order to reverse the ‘trial penalty’ and to fall into line with modern sentencing trends.”