4/20 is the date organizers chose to hold their cannabis expungement clinic.

The event offered assistance to those trying to get a fresh start.

Ayr Wellness hosted the free clinic to expunge the records of individuals with past cannabis convictions.

“When you think about people that have been faced with challenges because of a criminal record, sometimes they can’t get a new lease on life,” said speaker, attorney and former Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren. “But today we want to change that for them.”

“I’m here today to help really get my record expunged, or my folder actually says sealed, just to try to move forward," said Tanisha Yeeshingh.

She was one of about 300 people who signed up or walked in when they heard about the clinic.

“I just turned 20, got a class D felony, just doing a bunch of foolishness at that time and I went to prison," said Tanisha.

Upon her release, Tanisha says she lost many opportunities over the years because of her criminal record. Now 27 years after her arrest she comes to the clinic looking for help, "I was so excited. I’m like, ‘oh did I get my fingerprints’ and stuff, she handed me the folder and she said, ‘it says you may be eligible to seal your record, please see an attorney.’ I want to see the attorney.”

The event has attorneys on hand, including former Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren.

“Two years ago the laws changed around marijuana convictions and a lot of our people don’t know what opportunities are available to them,” said Warren. “And so that’s what today is about – changing legacies, making sure that everyone gets the chance to have a fighting chance at life. And their criminal past does not affect their future.”

Warren represented Tanisha, sitting down with her to review her record. There are several steps in the process. Folks don’t just walk in and get their records expunged — but the team assesses their records and helps them understand their options.

Tanisha learned she might qualify to have her criminal record sealed. After review, does her attorney believe she has a case?

“Yes, absolutely,” said Warren. “It looks that way based on her criminal records.”

“I’m so excited," said Tanisha.