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Cannabis Convictions No Longer Disqualify Students Financial Aid

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Cannabis Convictions No Longer Disqualify Students Financial Aid

Monday saw a huge win for all US citizens. Congress passed a new spending bill to offer more aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, those who are seeking financial aid through FAFSA won’t have to disclose any prior drug offenses. 

New FAFSA Regulations

Previously, those who filed their free financial aid application had to disclose any previous drug offenses. Unfortunately, anyone who had previous offenses were almost automatically denied from receiving financial aid. Especially when it came to those applying for higher education financial aid. 

This bill, sponsored by both major political parties, offers financial aid to all citizens via a $600 stimulus check. It also makes sure that all students get the aid they need for education. The question about previous drug offenses no longer appears in the financial aid application. This opens the doors for higher education for more people, especially minority communities. Minorities, like African Americans and Latinos, see more arrests and incarcerations when it comes to drug possession and offenses. 

Positive Feedback

This bill strikes the drug offense question. It also states that higher education needs to be more affordable and accessible to everyone, not just the privileged. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) championed this reform in this spending bill. She said, “Every single person in this country should be able to access and afford a quality higher education—and today we move substantially closer to that goal.”

“For too long, students who are incarcerated, students who have been defrauded by for-profit colleges, and students who have drug-related offenses have been blocked from receiving federal aid,” Senator Murray continues. “But now, I’m incredibly pleased that these students will finally be able to access aid and begin and continue their education.”

There is also language in the spending bill to prevent the Justice Department from interfering with state legal medical cannabis. This keeps patients on their prescribed medication without fear of losing it. This is a huge win for those who want a higher education but have been denied previously. It will take some time to implement these changes. But one thing is for sure, education is opening up to almost everyone who wants it. And that’s a win for everyone.

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