How many states have automatic cannabis expungement?

As of April 2026, 13 states offer automatic cannabis expungement: Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Missouri, Minnesota, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Delaware, D.C., and Pennsylvania (for certain offenses). These states clear records without requiring individuals to file petitions.

How many cannabis records have been cleared nationwide?

An estimated 2.3 million cannabis records have been cleared across all states through automatic expungement, petition-based processes, gubernatorial pardons, and court orders. The largest contributors are Illinois (780,000+), Virginia (394,000), New Jersey (362,000), and New York and California (200,000+ each).

Which states have the best cannabis expungement programs?

The five model programs are Illinois (most comprehensive automatic system), California (technology-driven at scale), New Jersey (fastest large-scale clearing via Supreme Court order), New York (true expungement under MRTA), and Missouri (constitutional amendment with dedicated tax funding).

Can I get a cannabis conviction expunged in any state?

Most states offer some form of record relief for cannabis offenses, but the type and scope vary enormously. Some states offer automatic clearing, others require petitions, and a few have extremely limited or no options. Check the state-specific pages on this tracker for your state's current law.

How quickly is cannabis expungement law changing?

Cannabis expungement is the fastest-changing area of American criminal justice. Multiple states pass new legislation each year, courts issue landmark orders, and governors issue mass pardons. Always verify current eligibility with your state court system or a licensed attorney.

50-State Cannabis Expungement Tracker — 2026

Folded US map flat-lay with compass and notebook representing a 50-state tracker

Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only as of April 2026. It is not legal advice. Expungement procedures, eligibility, and timelines vary by state and change frequently — consult a qualified attorney or legal aid organization about your specific case. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: April 2026

Fastest-Changing Area of Law

Cannabis expungement statutes are being enacted, amended, and implemented at an extraordinary pace. Multiple states pass new legislation each session. Court orders and executive actions can change the landscape overnight. Always verify current eligibility with your state's court system or a licensed attorney before relying on the information below.

Automatic Expungement States

These 13 states clear cannabis records without requiring individuals to file petitions, hire attorneys, or appear in court. Records are identified and cleared by the state, typically at no cost. This is the most effective approach — reaching the 85%+ of eligible people who never file petitions under voluntary systems.

State	Key Law	Records Cleared	Filing Fee
Illinois	Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act	780,000+ charges	$0
New York	MRTA (2021)	200,000+ cases	$0
New Jersey	CREAMMA	362,000 cases	$0
Missouri	Amendment 3 (constitutional)	140,000+ records	$0
Minnesota	Adult-Use Cannabis Act	57,000 records	$0
Vermont	S.234 (2020)	~10,000 eligible	$0
Connecticut	Clean Slate Act / SPA 21-1	43,754 convictions	$0
Maryland	Cannabis Reform Act (2022)	175,000 pardoned	$0
Rhode Island	RI Cannabis Act (2022)	23,000+ cleared	$0
New Mexico	SB 2 (2021)	~14,000 (90K remaining)	$0
Delaware	SB 197 / SB 37	In progress	$0
D.C.	Second Chance Amendment Act	Delayed to 2029	$0

Detailed Automatic State Profiles

Petition-Based Expungement States

These 10 states have enacted cannabis-specific expungement or sealing laws that require individuals to file a petition. Filing fees, waiting periods, and eligible offenses vary significantly. Several of these states have also processed large-scale pardons or record clearances through executive action.

State	Key Law	Records Cleared	Filing Fee
California	Prop 64 / AB 1793 / AB 1706	200,000+ convictions	$120–$150
Colorado	SB 22-99 (sealing)	1,300 pardoned + sealing	Varies
Oregon	SB 420 (ORS 137.225)	45,000+ pardoned	$0
Michigan	Clean Slate Act (MCL 780.621e)	235,000 eligible	Varies
Massachusetts	MGL c. 276 § 100K¼	22,816 pardoned	$0
Virginia	Va. Code § 19.2-392.6	394,000 records sealed	Varies
Arizona	Prop 207 (A.R.S. § 36-2862)	Ongoing	$0
Washington	SB 5605	3,500 pardoned	Varies
Ohio	SB 56 (eff. March 2026)	New	$50
Nevada	AB 192 + Pardons Board	15,000+ pardoned	Varies

Detailed Petition State Profiles

Understanding the Landscape

Beyond the automatic and petition-based states with cannabis-specific laws, the remaining states fall into two categories:

General Statute States

States with general expungement or record-sealing statutes that can be applied to cannabis offenses, but without cannabis-specific provisions. Eligibility, fees, and processes vary widely. Examples include Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee, and Utah.

Limited or No Relief States

States with extremely limited or no meaningful expungement options for cannabis convictions. Idaho has no statute for expunging convictions. Texas allows expungement only for non-convictions. Several Southern states impose fees exceeding $250.

Limited and No-Relief States

The Numbers So Far

Across all states, an estimated 2.3 million cannabis records have been cleared through some combination of automatic expungement, petition-based expungement, gubernatorial pardons, and court orders. The largest contributions:

Illinois — 780,000+ charges cleared (automatic + pardons + prosecutorial action)
New Jersey — 362,000 cases (Supreme Court order)
Virginia — 394,000 records sealed
New York — 200,000+ cases (MRTA automatic expungement)
California — 200,000+ convictions (Prop 64 + AB 1793 + Code for America)
Maryland — 175,000 pardoned
Missouri — 140,000+ records (Amendment 3)

Yet millions more records remain. The gap between what has been cleared and what is eligible represents the unfinished business of cannabis reform.

Model Programs

Five states have developed expungement programs that stand out for their scale, speed, or comprehensiveness. These programs offer lessons for every other state.

View the 5 Model Programs

Want to understand why some states have robust programs and others have none? See The Politics of Expungement and the organizations fighting for reform.