Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Kranser is not kidding around when it comes to cannabis. Particularly, he understands the consequences of just how far a simple marijuana charge can hold someone back.
The Hill reports the newly elected DA dropped dozens of criminal offenses for cannabis possession. Similar charges—such as those simply and solely for basic cannabis possession—will no longer be pursued either. Kranser believes the time and resources towards persecuting basic possession should instead to be dictated towards investigating homicides.
As a result, 51 people's charges were dropped last week. However, there is one exception to this rule: cannabis possession with intent to sell. If someone charged with possession is proven to have had some intention to distribute and profit from the plant, they will still be charged with possession after all.
This decision was informed by a recent history of drug policy. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed, Mayor Jim Kenney, alongside Kranser, admitted to how the War on Drugs wrongfully targeted and further criminalized black and brown people throughout the country.
Philadelphia's smart legal move follows Seattle's and San Francisco's decision to drop outdated cannabis convictions. Colorado has also considered jumping on this trend.
