By Mason Mohon | @mohonofficial

The city of Seattle has moved to void two decades of marijuana misdemeanor charges, according to Fortune. Mayor Jenny Durkan made clear that such action would affect 542 people. In addition to this, the city has requested dismissal of all outstanding misdemeanor possession charges.

Washington, the state Seattle is located in, became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012.

Mayor Durkan went on to say that the move is an “important step to right the wrongs [of] the failed war on drugs.”

She points out how historically the war on drugs, and especially marijuana prohibition, has disproportionately harmed people of color and favored white individuals. This echoes the statements of Nixon’s advisor, who revealed that the war on drugs was started to attack black and anti-war communities.

This local action is part of a growing wave of national acceptance of marijuana use.

Less punishment for nonviolent crimes across the United States is a welcome move.