Tens of thousands of Marylanders receive pardons for marijuana convictions

Wes Moore ordered more than 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions on Monday, saying the “most sweeping state-level pardon in any state” will help reverse harms from the past caused by the war on drugs. During a news conference, Moore said the executive order will affect “tens of thousands of Marylanders” convicted of misdemeanors. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, who attended the news conference, said the action was “long overdue.” “As a nation, we have taken far too long to correct the injustices of a system that is supposed to be just for all.” The attorney general also noted the magnitude of the governor’s actions, and he said it was about equity. While the order applies to all who meet its criteria the impact is a triumphant victory for African Americans and other Marylanders of color who were disproportionately arrested, convicted and sentenced for actions yesterday that are lawful today.” More than 150,000 misdemeanor convictions for simple possession of cannabis will be affected by the order, which also will cover more than 18,000 misdemeanor convictions for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, according to a summary by the governor’s office.