The concept of retroactive sentencing for inmates serving time for possessing or selling prescription painkillers is not a welcome change; there is a tendency for these individuals to commit this crime again upon an early release. The time spent in the prison will afford the State the opportunity to reform them and make them better citizens upon their release back into society.

People serving jail time due to painkiller crimes need to undergo proper rehabilitation behind bars to prevent them from committing the crime again later. A shortened sentence to reflect current laws will hamper their rehabilitation process in prison, and prevent the full reformation they were expected to undergo due to the relatively short time they will spend in prison.

Furthermore, the concept of clemency is the best way to grant freedom for criminals convicted of drug-related crimes, instead of shortening their jail term. A criminal who is granted a pardon through the clemency process would have shown a change in character and conduct. The pardon or reduction in sentence earned through the clemency process is the best way to go back to society without posing a threat.

In conclusion, criminals convicted of painkiller crimes should not have their sentences reduced due to current laws; instead, they should serve their time in prison and work towards a pardon or a commutation of their sentence through the clemency process.