The Flowr Corporation has announced that their team have submitted a Federal Petition asking the House of Commons to table legislation to provide expungement to all those who have non-violent cannabis convictions.
It is a progressive step following Flowr’s last year “Nothing to Hide” campaign, which encouraged cannabis consumers to engage in more open and honest conversations about cannabis use. Partnering with Pardons (a non-profit dedicated to giving Canadians a second chance in life) was a logical step since Flowr would not exist without Pardons as a few of the company’s early employees, including the Founder, went through this process in order to help build the business. The issue is pressing – almost four years after legalization, our society is still battling stigmas and preconceptions as there are more than 50,000 Canadians struggling with pre-legalization nonviolent cannabis possession charges, heavily limiting their abilities to find employment, housing, volunteer or travel.
There are other precedents: jurisdictions, such as New York, have implemented an automatic expungement process for those convicted of crimes now legal and the U.S. House of representatives recently approved the MORE Act to remove cannabis from the federal Controlled Substance Act and establish an expungement process for prior federal cannabis convictions. Unfortunately, while others have made progress, nothing much has changed in Canada and less than 1,000 pardons have been granted. The process is complex and lengthy, and as one Pardon costs over $1000, it is inaccessible to many.
Team at Flowr felt the need to be the driver of change and escalated efforts to include not only the few, but the many. After learning that there is only one Petition that can bring actual change, Flowr has gained local interest from Hamilton MP, Matthew Green. Now, with the submitted Federal petition, the community can call on the government that expunging the records is the just solution.
Kelowna-based Flowr also celebrate the success of their efforts by sharing some of the stories from those who got a Pardon as a result of company’s donation. “I have nothing to hide, you helped me better my life. I am not a criminal anymore.” – this powerful quote by Darryl, who got a Pardon earlier this year speaks for itself.
In the efforts to continue to raise awareness and help those in need, Flowr has partnered with Pardons Canada once again and will be donating over $ 20,000 to cover the service costs of 20 Pardons. Flowr also rallied some of the partners across the country, such as Session Cannabis – Ontario-owned and operated retailer, Plantlife Cannabis – Albertan-owned and operated retailer, Flora – Okanagan-owned and operated retailer to raise more funds.
Team at Flowr believes cannabis can be a tool to balance and enhance lives and will continue their mission to reduce the stigma around cannabis use.
To sign the petition encouraging the Canadian government to pass legislation to expunge records of non-violent cannabis-related convictions, visit https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3974
About Flowr Corporation
The Flowr Corporation is a Canadian cannabis company is located in Kelowna, BC, includes a purpose-built, GMP-designed indoor cultivation facility; an outdoor and greenhouse cultivation site; and a state-of-the-art R&D facility. Flowr aims to support improving outcomes through responsible cannabis use and, as an established expert in cannabis cultivation, strives to be the brand of choice for consumers the highest-quality craftsmanship and product consistency across a portfolio of differentiated cannabis products.
