Ayr Wellness plans nationwide expungement clinics, including one in NJ (updated)

Kimberly Redmond//February 9, 2023

Ayr Wellness Inc., a Miami-based multistate cannabis business operator, is hosting several expungement clinics across the country Feb. 25, including one in New Jersey.

As part of the company’s commitment to restorative justice and combatting the effects of the war on drugs, it is teaming with community groups and nonprofits for a second year in a row to help individuals seeking to expunge cannabis-related convictions and other non-violent crimes from their records.

Each clinic will provide attendees with access to legal services, connect individuals with re-entry and wrap-around programs and, where possible, offer financial support for obtaining critical documentation and processing fees, according to Ayr.

Cannabis and the law — “The goal of our ‘Changing Legacies’ program is to empower those most harmed by the war on drugs with a fresh start,” said Khari Edwards, Ayr Wellness’ head of corporate social responsibility. – PIXABAY

New Jersey’s clinic, which is being held in partnership with Blaze Responsibly, is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1425 Irving St. in Rahway. Registration is required before the event.

“Despite shifting public sentiment in favor of cannabis and an ever-evolving legislative and regulatory landscape, far too many individuals continue to face significant barriers to housing, employment, social services and more because of non-violent cannabis convictions,” said Khari Edwards, Ayr’s head of corporate social responsibility. “The goal of our ‘Changing Legacies’ program is to empower those most harmed by the war on drugs with a fresh start.”

With retail locations in Woodbridge, Union and Eatontown – the maximum number of dispensaries allowed by state law – Ayr has one of the largest shares of the projected $2 billion recreational use market by footprint in New Jersey.

David Goubert, president at Ayr, said, “As a business operating within the regulated cannabis market, we seek to use our platform to provide opportunities to communities who have been most disenfranchised by our country’s long history of cannabis prohibition. We look forward to hosting our second annual, ‘Changing Legacies’ event series in partnership with an outstanding group of organizations in the states and communities that we serve.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 12:40 p.m. ET Feb. 16 to include a new location for the Rahway clinic.