Maryland to Forgive Low-Level Marijuana Convictions for 100,000 Individuals

Maryland legalized cannabis for adults and retail sales of the drug in 2023 this happened after the state-wide referendum. A new judgement by the governor is in effect from today. It is one of the nation’s most sweeping clemency acts involving a drug that is now in widespread recreational use.

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Maryland’s governor has announced plans to issue a mass pardon for 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions.

During an interview with the Washington Post Maryland’s first Black governor, Wes Moore said that his goal is to “right a lot of historical wrongs” . The recent judgement will impact over 100,000 individuals.

Maryland legalized cannabis for adult use and retail sales in 2023 after many protests in the city, though Biden Administration always choose to use it as a political stunt. According to US media reports after a judgment one of the most extensive acts of clemency in the country for a drug now widely used recreationally aims to address social and economic injustices that have disproportionately affected Black communities.

“To foster inclusive economic growth, we need to remove barriers that disproportionately impact communities of color,” Moore told The Post. He emphasized that criminal records have long been used to deny people jobs, education, and housing, even after they’ve served their sentences.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said the pardon would include anyone convicted of a misdemeanor for marijuana possession, noting that the decision “will tremendously benefit Black and Brown Marylanders.”

The Post reported that over 70 percent of Maryland’s male prison population are black men.
Black people are three times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana use and possession, the American Civil Liberties Union highlights.