State government announcements or executive orders

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Issues Largest State Pardon in History for 175,000 Marijuana Convictions

Jun 17, 2024, 03:27 PM

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on Monday, issuing pardons for more than 175,000 marijuana-related convictions. This historic move, described as the largest state clemency action in the nation's history, aims to address longstanding inequities in the criminal justice system. The pardons will affect an estimated 100,000 people, targeting low-level marijuana possession and certain misdemeanor paraphernalia charges. The action coincides with Juneteenth and is part of Moore's broader effort to make the state more equitable. Moore emphasized that celebrating the benefits of legalization must include addressing the consequences of criminalization.