Some summer criminal justice highlights from Marijuana Law, Policy & Reform

It has been far too long since I thought to do a round-up of posts of note from my blogging over at Marijuana Law, Policy & Reform, though that is certainly not because there has been any shortage of interesting COVID-19 or social justice issues arising these days at the intersection of marijuana policy and criminal justice policy.   Rather than try to do a comprehensive review, I will be content to stoplight some favorites with an emphasis on criminal-justice-related stories in this abridged list of posts of note from recent months at MLP&R:

• Is marijuana reform really a "Superweapon Biden Refuses to Use"?

• Reviewing direct democracy marijuana/drug reform initiatives as we celebrate America's birthday

• "Struggling Through the Pandemic: Cannabis Social Equity During Covid-19"

• "Understanding Social Equity"

• Is it growing clearer that marijuana reform is criminal justice reform and racial justice imperative ?

• "Retroactive Legality: Marijuana Convictions and Restorative Justice in an Era of Criminal Justice Reform"

• Timely reminders that marijuana reform is criminal justice reform ... especially when Black Lives Matter

• Noticing how marijuana reform now intersects with religious leaders

• "What’s the best minimum legal age for cannabis?"

• Nevada Gov announces plan to secure pardons for "tens of thousands of Nevadans previously convicted for possession of small amounts of marijuana"

• Notable new research and commentary on marijuana reforms and traffic fatalities

• "Why Marijuana Legalization Funds The Police"

• New research on racial disparities in traffic stops and searches highlights how marijuana reform reduces searches (but not racial disparities)

• Is anyone closely tracking state or national marijuana arrest data during this coronavirus era?  

• "Weeding Out Injustice: Amnesty for Pot Offenders"

• Terrific coverage at CCRC on "Legalizing marijuana and expunging records across the country"

• "States with recreational marijuana laws view the legislation as a success"

• In a post-COVID economy, will job creation and tax revenue from marijuana reform become irresistible?