Stash Ventures Expungement Resource Fair 2023

Stash Ventures: Clearing the Path to Justice and Compassion

At Stash Ventures, we recognize the immense privilege of being in the cannabis industry. We view this privilege not only as an opportunity for financial success but as a platform for making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and the communities we operate in. Our belief in the plant's potential for good extends beyond its medicinal and recreational use. We embrace the idea of community, and this belief has fueled our commitment to give back through volunteerism, donations, and unique events.

Our commitment to social equity is not just a tagline; it's a guiding principle that influences everything we do. It's a recognition that some people are still paying a steep price for past cannabis-related mistakes, whether through incarceration or enduring the long-lasting consequences of a criminal record. This is where expungement comes into play, offering a pathway to redemption, forgiveness, and a fresh start.

In 2022, we thought what can we do as a company to create a lasting impact in someone’s life? We understood there was a huge need for expungement. So we began planning and created the idea of a Stash Ventures Expungement Resource Fair. Of course, we couldn’t do it alone, and resulted in a year-long collaboration with Great Lakes Expungement Network, Honigman LLP, Indigrow, the Michael Thompson Clemency Project, and the City of Muskegon. Our goal was simple yet profound: to make a real and lasting impact on people's lives by offering a path to expungement and redemption.

Expungement is a critical issue in the cannabis industry and the broader criminal justice system. Many people continue to bear the burden of criminal records stemming from cannabis-related offenses, even in regions where cannabis is now legal. This lingering injustice is a stain on our society, preventing affected individuals from accessing safe and affordable housing, student loans, and well-paying jobs. It perpetuates a cycle of inequality and missed opportunities.

Expungement is the process of removing or sealing records related to an individual's involvement in the criminal justice system, making

them inaccessible to anyone other than law enforcement officials. Unfortunately, the process is often fraught with challenges, including a lack

of resources, time-consuming bureaucracy, and significant costs. As a result, many eligible individuals are unable to take advantage of the expungement process.

On September 23rd, we hosted the Stash Ventures Expungement Resource Fair, and the event was a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of social justice.

Through this fair, we offered 163 individuals a chance at a fresh start by helping them navigate the complex process of expungement. While we can't provide an exact number of lives changed, we can assure you that the impact was profound and immeasurable. The Great Lakes Expungement Network played a pivotal role in our efforts, guiding applicants through every step of the expungement process. For many, this process can take seven months to a year before a court date is set. This highlights the immense importance of our partnership with the network, as they continue to support each applicant on their journey to expungement.

Stories of gratitude and appreciation filled the air during the Expungement Resource Fair. We witnessed tears of joy and relief as individuals took their first steps towards redemption. Some had been waiting for 40 years for their records to be expunged, while veterans with PTSD finally received the fresh start they deserved. One of the most heartwarming moments was seeing a family walk in with their children, knowing that the father could now coach his son's soccer team at school.

A project of this magnitude and impact would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our sponsors and coalition partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Great Lakes Expungement Network, Indigrow, Honigman LLP, the Michael Thompson Clemency Project, and the City of Muskegon.

We also must thank our sponsors for their unwavering support: Dutchie, Access Point ATM, Exotic Matter, Terryan, Canna Communication, Martin Maywire, the Refinery, Empyreal Logistics, and Athena.

Our commitment to giving back, advocating for expungement, and promoting social equity is a testament to the transformative power of businesses with a social conscience. Together with our sponsors and coalition partners, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the injustices of the past. We invite you to join us on this journey of compassion, healing, and positive change, because together, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all.

For more information on expungement visit: https://greatlakesexpungementnetwork.org/

To donate to next year’s expungement resource fair visit: https://www.higherhopesgiving.org/donate-now