Although Rhode Island decriminalized minor marijuana possession offenses to a fine-only penalty in 2013, anyone who was previously convicted of a cannabis-related crime faces numerous struggles to land a job, find housing, secure loans, become professionally licensed and receive government benefits. One of the most significant provisions of the new law is the automatic expungements of certain marijuana-related convictions beginning July 1, 2024. When a record is expunged, it results in the deletion of any and all mention of that arrest or criminal charge, as if it never occurred. With a few exceptions, once a court grants you an expungement, you will never have to disclose that you were convicted of that specific crime.