This blog was originally posted at www.newapproachoregon.com.

Legalizing cannabis in Oregon was a great achievement that is already paying dividends for our state by creating jobs and generating revenue. However, the number one reason to legalize cannabis was to keep people from suffering from unnecessary and harmful consequences for using a substance less addictive and lethal than alcohol and tobacco.

We are extremely proud of joining forces with the Bus Project to help with the Fresh Start campaign that successfully passed legislation allowing for the expungement of past marijuana offenses. Unfortunately, too many people are unable to afford the lawyer and court fees that it costs to have their offenses expunged. Thankfully, the Minority Cannabis Business Association and Marley Natural™ are stepping up to help folks expunge their past Oregon cannabis convictions, free of charge, on August 27th at the Village Ballroom, located at 704 NE Dekum in Portland, from 11am to 2pm.

Please see the press release sent out by MCBA and Marley Natural™ below. If you have a cannabis conviction that can be expunged or reduced, sign up atwww.minoritycannabis.org and please, spread the word.

Minority Cannabis Business Association and Marley Natural™ are clearing cannabis convictions in legal-market cannabis states. When cannabis is made legal, people convicted of cannabis offenses prior to legalization still carry the negative stigma of cannabis convictions. While the cannabis industry profits, a specific group of people targeted in the failed war on drugs continue to suffer the negative consequences of cannabis criminal records, including denied jobs, financial aid, housing, and, in some cases, the right to vote.

Part of MCBA’s mission is to combat the consequences of the war on drugs. In service to that mission, we are extremely proud to announce Rise Up™ Oregon Expungement Day brought by MCBA™ and Marley Natural™. On August 27, Rise Up Expungement Day participants will, within 2 hours, complete all steps necessary to file their request for expungement with the state of Oregon, including covering all costs and fees.

Marley Natural and MCBA developed the Rise Up Expungement program together to further both organizations’ missions of lifting up communities that have been harmed by the social injustices of cannabis prohibition. Marley Natural’s Rise Up™ program projects are committed to positive social change. As agents for change, Marley Natural honors Bob Marley’s legacy by adding his beliefs to the conversation about cannabis.

The Minority Cannabis Business association is proud to have a platinum sponsor with the legacy and history of Marley Natural. Says MCBA Chairman Jesce Horton, “With Marley Natural as our partner, we are building the resources needed to make a measurable positive impact in communities impacted by the war on drugs. By giving back through Rise Up, Marley Natural is an example of a cannabis company that is getting all aspects of cannabis business right so we don’t just build another industry; we build a better industry.”

Founded in 2015, the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) is the first non-profit organization created to serve the specific needs of minority cannabis entrepreneurs, employees, and patients/ consumers. The organization currently serves members from across the United States and Canada. MCBA’s mission is to create equal access and economic empowerment for cannabis businesses, their patients, and the communities most affected by the war on drugs. For more information, visit www.minoritycannabis.org.

Marley Natural is the official Bob Marley cannabis brand, crafted with deep respect for Bob’s legacy and belief in the positive potential of the herb to heal and inspire us. Starting on August 24, 2016, the brand’s all-natural, sun-grown premium cannabis products, as well as smoking and other lifestyle accessories, will be available at all Serra and Nectar dispensaries in the Portland metro area and Eugene. To learn more about Marley Natural, visithttp://www.MarleyNatural.com or follow the conversation on social media using @MarleyNatural and #MarleyNatural.