CARSON CITY — A resolution passed today by the Nevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners summarily pardons thousands of persons previously convicted of minor marijuana offenses. The resolution had been put forth by Gov. Steve Sisolak earlier this month to provide relief for those who were convicted of a crime that’s now legal under Nevada law.
“Since the passage of Question 2 in 2016 and the decriminalization of possession for small amounts of marijuana, many Nevadans have had these minor offenses remain on their records, in some cases as a felony,” said Sisolak. “This resolution aims to correct that and fully restore any rights lost as a result of these convictions.”
Prior to January 1, 2017, the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana was a criminal act that could be charged as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony depending on additional factors. This resolution extends to persons who were previously convicted for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, and to persons convicted multiple times for this same act.
An expedited process for those seeking pardon documents will be free of charge and available online.
The resolution does not apply to other drug crimes; it is strictly for those previously convicted in the State of Nevada for violations of state and local laws prohibiting the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana not for purpose of sale, including NRS 453.336(4).
The action also does not include records sealing, so the convictions will remain on the person’s criminal records. However, a streamlined process for sealing convictions for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana was approved during the 80th legislative session. This process is also free and can be navigated without the assistance of an attorney.
An FAQ sheet is available here.
