Maryland Governor Announces Mass Pardon for Low-Level Marijuana Convictions
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland announced his plan to issue a mass pardon for 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions to coincide with Juneteenth, aiming to address historical injustices.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland revealed plans to issue a mass pardon for 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions in an interview with the Washington Post, published on Sunday. Moore stated that the mass pardon will be officially enacted on Monday morning, aligning with the celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans.
The governor's office has not yet responded to requests for further comments.
Research from the American Civil Liberties Union indicates that Black Americans have historically been over three times more likely than white Americans to face arrests for marijuana-related charges. These criminal records have had long-term detrimental effects, including barriers to housing, employment, and education.
"I'm ecstatic that we have a real opportunity with what I'm signing to right a lot of historical wrongs," Moore expressed in his interview with the Post.
This initiative by Moore follows a similar action in Massachusetts and President Joe Biden's recent federal drug conviction pardons. In April, the Biden administration also took measures to reduce the severity of marijuana-related offenses at the federal level.
Despite its federal illegality, 24 states including Maryland and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana use, while 38 states along with Washington D.C. permit its medical use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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