Marijuana Decriminalization Amendment Act: A Case Study

In regard to the Simple Possession of Small Quantities Of Marijuana Decriminalization Amendment Act of 2013, I have one recommendation that would assist in strengthening the legislation. I pose that the policy administration expunge the records of individuals with prior convictions of possession of less than one ounce of marijuana. Since the act aims to prevent disproportionate arrest rates amongst District residents (mainly African-Americans) in addition to decreasing collateral consequences (e.g., criminal records, losing employment, losing financial aid, losing property, etc.), I believe it is equally fair to give those convict in the past a second chance. For the individuals formerly convicted contributed heavily to the statistics used
to support the formation of this policy. Hence, while the legislation to serves to protect those in the future against marijuana only convictions, it neglects to pardon those convicted past. Therefore, by expunging records of arrest and convictions according to the terms of the newly established policy could eradicate some of the collateral injustices.
During the study, two implications for the social work practice and research arose. First, though many people support the idea of decriminalizing the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, some individuals do not. With that being said, I think it is important for social workers to be conscious of their own biases and beliefs so that they do not interfere with those of the client. Last, it is my hope that with the evidence presented in this study and thus available on the internet, that social workers become familiar with the perspectives and positions of those around them as expected with being competent of cultural differences since flexibility is a key element to possess in the social work profession.