Cleveland plans to expunge marijuana convictions en masse

Shreyas Banerjee Executive Editor

Cleveland may soon be making strides towards cannabis policy reform by expunging convictions related to misdemeanor marijuana cases.

Mayor Justin Bibb came into office promising to reform the city’s approach to criminal justice, primarily when it came to drug-related charges. While marijuana has been decriminalized in the city of Cleveland since 2020, with fines and jail time being eliminated for individuals carrying up to 200 grams of marijuana, thousands of Clevelanders remain who have been charged with marijuana-related crimes prior to 2020 and hundreds of those who were mistakenly charged by city prosecutors. Marijuana remains illegal in the state of Ohio except for medical usage so prosecutors are still able to technically supersede city law and charge individuals for marijuana usage, leading to the discrepancy. To honor the spirit of the city’s decriminalization, Bibb moved to expunge over 4,000 convictions for misdemeanor marijuana cases in April 2022, with the cases being affected dating back to 2017. However the mayor’s plan hit a snag as Ohio state law did not allow the city to file a motion clearing charges from the records of residents unilaterally, with individuals instead having to be the ones to initiate the expungement by filing their own motion. In the months since Bibb’s motion was blocked, the city has been trying to provide information to eligible residents to have their marijuana charges expunged or sealed via the Cleveland Municipal Court, but this remained a stop-gap solution.

Now, however, the city of Cleve - land intends to try again following the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 288, which was signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Jan. 3. An amendment to the bill now allows prosecutors to initiate the process of sealing or expungement of fourthdegree or minor misdemeanor drug charges rather than requiring defendants to do so. With the law going into effect in April, the city will be able to try again to process and expunge the convictions in question.

The amendment came about due to lobbying by the Bibb administration for changes to state law regarding drug charges. While the Ohio state legislature is controlled by Republican supermajorities and Bibb is a Democrat, Bibb was able to work with state legislators on this issue, even if other policy conflicts surrounding issues like gun control and taxation remain between the deeply Democratic city and the increasingly Republican state.

“I think Republicans recognize the economic consequences,” Bibb said. “If folks can’t get a job or start a business, it doesn’t make us a competitive state long-term.”

Once the city moves to expunge or seal the convictions, it may still take time to completely settle as defendants must consent to having their charges revoked and judges must still approve each expungement individually, allowing them to factor in other charges the defendant may have and the city government’s case to wipe away the convictions.

“We’re going to go through a very deliberative process to get this done right,” Bibb said.

Back to school tunes

Shejuti Wahed Video Editor Playlist of the week 1/20/23

Every new year, I find it impossible to push aside the feelings of excitement and nervous energy that come with my return to Case Western Reserve University. Something in the air whispers to me that fresh opportunities are just around the corner, and good things are waiting to happen. But this excitement is also dangerous—it comes with a lingering apprehension and fear of failure. What if things won’t be different? Despite being only halfway through the first month of 2023, I have already experienced an overwhelming rollercoaster of emotions associated with the new year, with change, with growing up and with appreciating life’s precious moments. This playlist covers the turbulent array of feelings that I predict I, as well as many other CWRU students, will inevitably experience over the course of the next semester.

“Special”

— SZA

SZA’s newly released album “SOS” features “Special,” a song about wanting to feel valuable after a prior relationship makes her feel disposable. Regardless of whether you are experiencing these romantic troubles, SZA’s lyrics about losing her individuality can feel all too relatable as we enter the new year.

“If It Wasn’t For The Nights” — ABBA

In my opinion, this song is among ABBA’s most underrated and one of their best. After a long and busy day, Björn Ulvaeus dreads coming home and having to deal with his suffocating thoughts. I recommend listening to this song after all your classes, labs or extracurriculars are over, rather than following in his footsteps and staring at the wall.

“You’re On Your Own, Kid” — Taylor Swift

This song might just be my favorite from Taylor’s latest album, “Midnights.” The bridge is the highlight of the song, as she advises us to make the most of the moments that feel real because we all grow up and life changes quickly.

“I Love Life, Thank You” — Mac Miller

The title track from Mac Miller’s posthumously released mixtape is one of the most uplifting rap songs I have listened to recently. Miller’s contagious optimism and his gratitude for life are perfect for starting the new year. The combination of an old-school, nostalgic vibe with a more modern rap style can easily cheer you up—plus you can’t help but smile at his silly outro and adlibs.

“You’re

So Vain” — Carly Simon

Unfortunately, I anticipate that some of my emotions this semester might lean towards the “angry at the world” end of the spectrum. This Carly Simon classic strikes all the right chords of sass, hurt and frustration. This song especially hits different when you can think of a person to sing it to, whether it be an ex, a political figure or even a TA.

“Dime Store Cowgirl” — Kacey Musgraves

I am aware that country music has a bad reputation, particularly among our generation. Honestly, I get it. But after my friend swore on the transformative power of Kacey Musgraves’ older albums, I became hooked. Something about her rich tone and relatable lyrics make her songs so easy to consume. Musgraves talks about leaving her hometown and feeling small and unimportant in the vast world, which I think a lot of us at CWRU can relate to.

“Today and Tomorrow” — Grace VanderWaal

Despite being infamous for singing in “cursive,” Grace VanderWaal has delivered some incredible music following her “America’s Got Talent” victory. This one is a soft, almost sickeningly sweet ukulele tune that fits any occasion, from snowy walks to romantic thoughts.

“I Know The End” — Phoebe Bridgers

This haunting, apocalyptic Phoebe Bridgers masterpiece portrays the end of the world and the ensuing chaos. In the song, she leaves her devastated hometown and chases “a new place to be from.”

“String Lights” — Peter McPoland

“That

Funny Feeling” — Phoebe Bridgers

My suitemates know I have a problem with saying goodbye. Every break, regardless if it’s four days or an entire month, I cry ugly tears before leaving. Peter McPoland recounts similar memories with his friends, from hanging up string lights to crying about the fear of growing up. But McPoland ends the song with “everything ends,” and I think it’s a healthy reminder for spring 2023—that everything, whether good or bad, will ultimately pass and we can be thankful for having such special moments to feel nostalgic for.

“This Charming

Man”

—

The Smiths

One of their most famous songs, “This Charming Man” is my go-to Smiths tune for shaking off bad energy. The lyrics are catchy and the beat is easy to follow, making it the perfect song for an impromptu dance party when school gets a little too overwhelming.

“Paradisin’”

— Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama’s “Paradisin’” is an energetic pop anthem that can easily function as yet another feel-good mood booster. The song describes Sawayama living her best life with her friends growing up, and the chaotic arcade sounds infused into the key change will forever remain memorable.

So many of my classmates have experienced “that funny feeling,” the indescribable sensation of things not being right, but being unable to describe what is wrong. If you ever feel like sitting on the floor and staring at the ceiling this semester, this Phoebe Bridgers cover is for you.

“Mr.

Blue” — Catherine Feeny

Fans of “Bojack Horseman” might instantly recognize the melody from the popular show’s final scene. Feeny’s voice is soothing and delicate with hints of nostalgia, fitting into the theme of leaving behind the blues and seeking personal growth.

“Slipping Through My Fingers”

— Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried Depending on your mood, this song can either be the sweetest or the most soul-crushing experience. It describes time flying by too quickly and a daughter growing up from a mother’s perspective. I recommend avoiding this song on the last day of the semester.