Multistate operator Green Thumb Industries Inc. plans on hosting a free expungement clinic at its recreational cannabis dispensary in Bloomfield.

The event is scheduled to run March 21 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at 26-48 Bloomfield Ave. Rise will hold the clinic in partnership with Blaze Responsibly, a public resource center that seeks to empower the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs, consumers and investors.

An on-site mobile unit will process expungement services for non-violent marijuana-related convictions for adults age 21 and up.

According to Rise, the collaboration with Blaze Responsibly is part of a broader Green Thumb Industries mission that focuses on fostering positive change and impact through four key pillars: community engagement, inclusion & belonging, restorative justice and environmental stewardship.

Headquartered in Chicago, Green Thumb has a manufacturing and retail footprint across 14 legalized cannabis markets in the U.S. Besides Bloomfield, the company operates a recreational dispensary in Paterson and medicinal storefront in Paramus.

Chirali Patel, founder of Blaze Responsibly, commented, “Expungements do more than erase records, they unlock futures. By removing barriers to jobs, housing, education, and more, they give individuals the chance to rebuild their lives, strengthen family bonds, and contribute to their communities.”

Patel, the founder and managing partner of Blaze Law Firm, added, “Thanks to the support of groups like RISE Dispensaries, hundreds of families across New Jersey are getting the fresh start they deserve.”

On a faster track?

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a measure that would allow medical dispensaries to start selling adult-use cannabis without local approval. If the bill advances, Rise would be able to start offering adult-use products at its 4-year-old storefront in Paramus. Read more here.