Maryland Governor Pardons Over 175,000 for Marijuana Convictions in Historic Move

In a sweeping criminal justice reform initiative, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on June 17, 2024, pardoning over 175,000 individuals with low-level marijuana convictions. The historic move is part of the state's broader efforts to address the lasting impacts of cannabis criminalization, particularly among communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies.

The mass pardon applies to both misdemeanor marijuana possession charges and certain paraphernalia-related offenses, effectively clearing thousands of criminal records that have long hindered employment, housing, and educational opportunities for many Maryland residents.

"For too long, minor cannabis convictions have placed unnecessary barriers in the lives of individuals, especially in communities of color," Moore said during a press conference. "Today, we take a significant step toward righting those wrongs and creating a more just Maryland."

The decision comes after Maryland voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2022, with retail sales beginning earlier this year. While legalization has brought economic benefits and tax revenue, activists have continued pushing for restorative justice measures, arguing that those previously penalized for marijuana-related offenses should not continue to suffer from outdated laws.

State officials confirmed that the pardons would be automatic, meaning those affected will not need to apply for record expungement. However, legal experts caution that while the pardons remove convictions, individuals may still need to take additional steps to have the offenses removed from background checks.

The announcement has been met with widespread praise from civil rights groups and criminal justice reform advocates, who see it as a model for other states. Maryland now joins states like Illinois, New York, and California, which have also implemented large-scale cannabis-related pardons.

Opponents of the move argue that marijuana use should still carry legal consequences, particularly in cases involving public safety concerns. However, with the continued shift in public opinion and increasing legalization across the country, efforts like Maryland’s are expected to gain momentum nationwide.

As Maryland moves forward with its cannabis policy overhaul, the focus will now shift toward expanding social equity programs and reinvestment efforts in communities that were disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.