Maryland Governor Issues Historic Mass Pardon for Marijuana Offenses
On Monday, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore announced a sweeping pardon for 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions, marking a historic move to address social and economic injustices.
Governor Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, emphasized that this decision seeks to rectify the decades-long impact of drug policies that have disproportionately affected Black communities. He highlighted that during the early 2000s, nearly half of the state’s drug arrests were for cannabis, with Black Marylanders being three times more likely to face these charges than their white counterparts.
With Maryland’s Black population at 33%, it’s notable that over 70% of the state’s male incarcerated population is Black. Governor Moore stated, “Today, we take a big step enacting policies to reverse past harms and build a brighter future.”
This pardon, which impacts about 100,000 individuals, is considered a bold executive action aimed at eliminating criminal justice inequities as more states relax marijuana laws. Following a state-wide referendum, Maryland legalized cannabis for adults and retail sales in 2023. The pardons will apply to anyone with a misdemeanor conviction for marijuana possession or paraphernalia.
Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony Brown commented on the biases in drug-related arrests and sentencing, describing past cannabis convictions as “modern day shackles.” He celebrated the pardons as a significant step towards justice.
While the pardons won’t release anyone currently in jail, the move has been praised by criminal justice reform advocates. Jason Ortiz of the Last Prisoner Project shared his personal story of being arrested at 16 for cannabis possession, which led to severe personal consequences. He lauded Governor Moore’s actions as a landmark moment in cannabis justice.
Heather Warnken, from the University of Baltimore Law School, called the pardon a “win for thousands of Marylanders” and a significant step towards restoring legitimacy to the justice system. She emphasized the importance of continuing to work towards broader reforms, celebrating this moment as a foundational step towards greater justice and dignity.
In summary, Governor Moore’s historic mass pardon represents a significant effort to address past injustices and pave the way for a more equitable future in Maryland.
