The federal Liberals will soon introduce legislation that will provide Canadians “no-cost, expedited pardons for simple possession of cannabis.”

According to Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, the legislation would waive the application fee and five-year waiting period for Canadians seeking pardons for possessing up to 30 grams of marijuana — an offence that was punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

While a pardon doesn’t erase a criminal record completely, it does separate the criminal record from a person’s other records and is only disclosed in limited circumstances, making it easier to get a job or travel.

The legislative bill is expected to pass through the House of Commons and the Senate before summer.

It’s estimated that 500,000 Canadians have convictions for simple cannabis possession.