Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. will host a free expungement clinic and community resource fair in Newark.
The event is scheduled to run Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Down Bottom Farms, 371-395 Ferry St. The clinic is presented in partnership with New Jersey-based public resource center Blaze Responsibly and social services organization Ironbound Community Corp.
According to AWH, on-site attorneys will help adults age 21 and older with expungements for nonviolent marijuana-related convictions through 2 p.m. The company also plans to cover outstanding court fines for at least 50 individuals. The move aims to remove one of the biggest barriers to clearing records.
Attendees must register for the expungement clinic in advance by clicking here.
The following organizations will also take part in the event:
AWH said it will also offer family-friendly activities, like a gaming truck and bouncy house.
The clinic is coordinated by Ascend CO-LAB for Social Equity. The New York City-based MSO launched the program last year to provide learning opportunities, mentorship, and legal support to social equity license holders and social equity candidates.
Rooted in the vision of an inclusive and sustainable industry, the CO-LAB will focus on advocating for the rights and participation of all – particularly those historically affected. It also aims to address past injustices through actions such as expungement and decriminalization, according to Ascend.
The company’s footprint covers more than 40 dispensaries across seven states. It includes three sites in New Jersey, Fort Lee, Rochelle Park and Wharton.
