Old Montco Newspaper Boxes Find New Purpose—Holding Marijuana Pardon Applications

As newspapers in print form continue to decline, old newspaper boxes in Montgomery County are finding new purposes, including holding marijuana pardon applications, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

The county chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and TerraVida Victims of the War on Drugs have joined forces to fill the refurbished boxes with cannabis pardon applications.

“These pardon bins have been a great win for us,” said Cathie Cashman, head of TerraVida VOWD.

The first repurposed bin was placed in Norristown outside Montgomery County Courthouse in April. In December, another was placed in front of Lansdale Public Library.

So far, these two have provided more than 800 people who are hoping to have their records expunged with the state’s 18-page pardon application.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. “We already have an expedited marijuana pardon protocol in place, where if it meets a couple key criteria they automatically advance through.”

The next repurposed bin will be placed in Ambler, followed by one in King of Prussia.

Read more about repurposed newspaper boxes at the WHYY by clicking here.