Well-known cannabis attorney Gary Smith recently joined his fellow Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce (AZC3) board members for a public webinar focusing on the importance of expunging cannabis-related criminal records to achieve social equity within the industry. The panel clarified how expungement will factor into being awarded one of the 26 social equity licenses.
Intended to benefit communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, the social equity licenses were mandated as part of 2020’s successful Prop 207. Arizona Department of Health Services released proposed guidelines for the licenses, requiring applicants or a family member to have a low-level cannabis conviction and income of no more than four times the federal poverty limit.
Media and industry groups frequently call on Gary, who is also president of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association, to provide insight related to cannabis legislation. His cannabis practice centers on assisting clients in navigating the cannabis industry’s complex legal landscape.