Clear Your Cannabis Record
Over 30 million marijuana arrests in U.S. history. More than 2.3 million convictions cleared so far — but millions more remain eligible. Thirteen states now offer automatic expungement. Free legal help exists in every state. This guide covers who qualifies, how the process works in all 50 states, what it costs, and where to get help.
A Clean Slate Changes Everything
University of Michigan research shows that people who receive expungement see a 25% increase in wages within two years. Their reconviction rate is just 4% within five years. Yet fewer than 15% of eligible people ever file — blocked by cost, complexity, or simply not knowing they qualify.
That’s why this guide exists. Whether your state offers automatic clearance or requires a petition, the path to a clean record is real and well-documented.
Through automatic expungement, gubernatorial pardons, and petition-based processes across dozens of states.
Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Missouri, Minnesota, and more clear records without you filing anything.
Filing fees have been eliminated in most cannabis-specific expungement statutes. See costs by state.
University of Michigan/Cato Institute: expungement produces a 25% wage increase and just 4% reconviction rate.
Navigate the Expungement Landscape
Three Questions That Guide Your Path
Do I qualify? Check the 50-state tracker. What will it cost? Fees range from $0 to several hundred dollars — fee waivers are widely available. Where do I get help? Start with NORML’s lawyer directory, your state’s legal aid organization, or the Last Prisoner Project.
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org