Maryland Governor to Mass Pardon 175,000 Low- Level Marijuana Convictions- Here's Everything to Know

Will There Be Mass Pardon on Marijuana Convictions in Maryland? Here’s All to Know?

In an interview, the governor of Maryland expressed that he intends to issue a mass pardon on marijuana convictions. Governor Wes Moore expressed that the pardon will be of about 175,000 low-level convictions.

The governor of Maryland expressed that it is on Monday morning when this pardon would be made. The timing of the mass pardon was specifically chosen, as it was intended to align with the Juneteenth holiday.

The pardons will be forgiving the possession charges of over 100,000 people. However, for a request for comment, Moore’s office did not respond immediately.

According to Moore, the executive measure is the “most far-reaching and aggressive” taken by an official in the country to cater to the inequities of criminal justice surrounding marijuana legalization.

The purpose of the mass pardon is to rectify the historical injustices. The aim is to address the historical injustices impacting the Black Americans. A research by the American civil Liberties Union says that the Black Americans are about three times more likely to get arrested for the marijuana charges as compared to the whites charged for the same. Moore has decided to pardon these convictions in order to diminish the barriers that have hindered families and individuals, affecting the access to education, employment, and housing. Governor Moore calls it an opportunity to right a myriad of historical wrongs. The governor further said that in order to create inclusive economic growth, removing the barriers that disproportionately imply on communities of color, is required.

Impact of the pardons

It is expected that the pardons will be benefiting about 100,000 people. The pardons will forgive the low-level marijuana possessions. However, it is not to say that these pardons will result in the immediate release of the individuals that are imprisoned currently. The aim, however, is to clear the criminal records of the ones affected. The measure will provide these people with an opportunity to start afresh and grab the brightest opportunities life has to offer.

Support from other officials

The governors decision has been supported by Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General. The Attorney General stated that the pardons were actually “long overdue” for the nation. The Attorney General believes that the issue is actually an important one for racial equity. Other states follow similar actions as that of Governor Moore. For instance, Massachusetts showcases a broad trend toward catering to criminal justice disparities related to marijuana convictions.