Maryland to pardon 100,000 Marijuana convicts in historic move
He highlighted that this action would positively impact Black and Brown Marylanders who have been disproportionately affected by such convictions
Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, will issue a mass pardon for drug offences, forgiving 175,000 low-level Marijuana convicts spanning multiple decades. This move, one of the most extensive acts of clemency related to marijuana, aims to address social and economic injustices, particularly those disproportionately affecting Black communities.
Governor Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, stated that the pardon order, set to be signed on Monday, aims to “right a lot of historical wrongs.” The scope of the pardons, affecting approximately 100,000 people, represents “the most far-reaching and aggressive” executive action to eliminate criminal justice inequities as more states legalize marijuana.
Following a statewide referendum, Maryland legalized adult cannabis use and retail sales in 2023. Moore stressed the importance of eradicating these hurdles to achieve equitable economic growth, emphasizing that even after serving their sentences, those with criminal histories frequently face barriers to jobs, education, and housing.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said the pardons will apply to anyone with a misdemeanour conviction for possession of marijuana or paraphernalia. He highlighted that this action would positively impact Black and Brown Marylanders who have been disproportionately affected by such convictions.
Despite Black people making up 33% of Maryland’s population, over 70% of the state’s male incarcerated population is Black. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that Black people are more than three times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession. This pardon initiative is a significant step towards rectifying these long-standing disparities.
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