Recreational cannabis has been legal in Canada since October 17, 2018.
However, about 500,000 people still bear the scars from years of prohibition in the country.
They are burdened with criminal convictions for possession of cannabis, a substance that is now legal.
In December 2021, an electronic petition was initiated in the House of Commons to address this issue.
The petition calls on the federal government to expunge or delete these criminal records.
The campaign for cannabis amnesty continues as recent legislation granting suspension of these convictions for simple possession of weed is seen as inadequate.
Many believe that only the permanent removal of these criminal records constitutes real amnesty.
The e-petition was initiated by Russell Bennett of Scarborough, Ontario.
Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith of Beaches—East York authorized the petition.
It needs at least 500 signatures in order for it to be presented on the floor of the House of Commons, and generate a response from the government.
The petition closes on April 19.
To sign, click here.
Follow Carlito Pablo on Twitter at @carlitopablo
