Ways to Get into the Cannabis Industry with a Felony on Your Record
When you have a felony on your record, it can be difficult to find employment. Getting into the cannabis industry can be particularly challenging. There are many legal gray areas regarding cannabis as it is, so you can see why a clean record would be required. This is not legal advice and please discuss with a lawyer discussing your specific issues.
However, if you have a felony on your record, don’t give up hope completely. There are ways to break into the cannabis industry despite what you have done in the past. This article will provide you with ways to find lucrative employment working with cannabis even if you have crossed legal boundaries in the past.
Expunge Your Record
An expungement is a post-conviction procedure that involves filing a petition in the court you were convicted in and asking the judge to vacate your conviction and expunge your case. Once an expungement has occurred, you have every right to tell people you have never been convicted of a felony.
You must meet certain requirements to qualify for an expungement and there are fees, including legal fees involved. However, once your felony is expunged, you should have no problem finding employment in the cannabis industry or any other field.
Look into Getting Amnesty
Now that marijuana is becoming more acceptable, many states are granting amnesty to those who have been convicted of a cannabis-related felony. Amnesty is an official pardon for people who have been convicted of offenses.
California currently grants amnesty to those who have been charged with a cannabis-related felony, and states like Washington and Oregon are not far behind. Canada also grants amnesty to those convicted of a cannabis-related crime.
What Cannabis Jobs Can I Get if I Was Convicted of a Felony?
If you are unable to get amnesty or have your record expunged, you may not be able to work for a cannabis company directly, but you will be able to work in a related industry. Here are the types of companies that will still hire you if you have a criminal record.
Soil Companies: Marijuana plants need the right type of soil to grow. Soil companies work with cannabis companies to ensure they have the right soil for optimal growth. Most of these companies do not require the background checks needed if you are working with cannabis directly.
Lighting Companies: The right lighting is also necessary in helping marijuana plants grow. You can work in a lighting company as a salesperson or fixing and installing lights. If you work on a technical level, you will need prior experience as an electrician.
Working with a Point of Sale (POS) System): A POS system allows customers to pay for goods and services. It also processes sales, records and tracks inventory, and manages staff. Some cannabis companies have positions that allow workers to use POS systems without being in direct contact with marijuana products. This is ideal for those with felony records and it can also provide valuable experience for future positions both in the cannabis industry and outside it.
Work With CBD: While THC still has some hoops to go through before it is considered legal, CBD is now completely legit. Therefore, those with felonies on their record can work with a CBD company as long as there is no THC in their products. There are a wide variety of jobs available in the CBD industry making it easy to find a position that’s right for you.
If you have a felony on your record and want to work in the cannabis industry, don’t let it get in your way.
See what you can do to get an expungement, be granted amnesty or work in a profession where you don’t have to deal with cannabis directly.
Good luck putting the past behind you and moving forward in this lucrative industry.
