This week, Governor Wes Moore made history by signing a historic executive order pardoning 175,000 Maryland convictions related to the possession of cannabis.
The move comes amidst the is a nation-wide debate over how the American justice system’s drug war has resulted in the wrongful imprisonment of Black and brown people living in marginalized communities.
The order represents the largest pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession charges for any state in the country and the inclusion of paraphernalia, making Maryland the first state to take such action.
“Maryland made history when we legalized cannabis by referendum. But we cannot celebrate the benefits of legalization while forgetting the consequences of criminalization. No Marylander should face barriers to housing, employment, or education based on convictions for conduct that is no longer illegal,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, we take a big step forward toward ensuring equal justice for all. But this won’t be our last effort. We must continue to move in partnership to build a state and society that is more equitable, more just, and leaves no one behind.
The Governor’s pardon follows the constitutional amendment passed during Maryland’s 2022 legislative session that legalized adult use and possession of cannabis and was overwhelmingly approved by popular referendum. Of the 175,000 pardons issued, more than 150,000 represent misdemeanor convictions for simple cannabis possession and more than 18,000 represent misdemeanor convictions for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.
As a result of the executive order, the Maryland Judiciary will ensure that each individual’s electronic docket is updated with an entry indicating that the conviction has been pardoned by the governor. The process is expected to take approximately 2 weeks.
Governor Moore’s executive order also directs the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to develop a process to indicate on an individual’s criminal record that the conviction was pardoned. This process is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete.
