Canadian cannabis giant Aurora Cannabis Inc. ACB announced Monday that it has renewed its sponsorship of Cannabis Amnesty, an organization whose work involves seeking pardons for all individuals convicted of simple cannabis possession. (article originally appeared on Benzinga)

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora announced that the initiative will support Cannabis Amnesty's campaign to right historical wrongs by emphasizing the impact on individuals and communities that have borne the brunt of cannabis prohibition.

More than half a million Canadians face barriers to work, volunteering and travel due to having criminal records for simply possessing cannabis, the company noted.

"As a proudly Canadian company, Aurora values our roots in advocating for cannabis record pardons with Cannabis Amnesty," Miguel Martin, Aurora's CEO, said. "We have a responsibility to those communities who have been disproportionately impacted. Canadians, or anyone for that matter, shouldn't be burdened with a criminal record for a minor, non-harmful act that is no longer a crime."

"Aurora's Cannabis Amnesty sponsorship demonstrates leadership within the cannabis industry, taking a step forward to address the social inequities of cannabis prohibition," Annamaria Enenajor, founder of Cannabis Amnesty, said. "Cannabis Amnesty looks forward to working with Aurora to help influence policy for the better and continue the call for cannabis record expungement here in Canada." (article originally appeared on Benzinga)