Maryland governor Wes Moore pardons 175K marijuana convictions in ‘most far-reaching and aggressive’ order
9 months, 1 week ago

Maryland governor Wes Moore pardons 175K marijuana convictions in ‘most far-reaching and aggressive’ order

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than 175,000 people with marijuana convictions in Maryland received a pardon from Governor Wes Moore on Monday, in one of the largest acts of clemency for crimes related to the drug in the nation. Maryland Governor Wes Moore holds an executive order pardoning 175,000 cannabis-related convictions at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland on June 17 The pardons will forgive marijuana and paraphernalia possession-related charges, including for those who are dead. Although misdemeanor cannabis charges often do not result in incarceration and state prosecution for them has ended, Moore said those low-level charges still hurt people because they remain on their criminal record. Moore’s widespread pardon is one of the largest acts of clemency in the country, rivaling Massachusetts which pardoned all misdemeanor convictions related to marijuana earlier this year.

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History of this topic

This Democratic Governor Just Demonstrated the Right Way to Use the Pardon Power
55 years, 2 months ago

This Democratic Governor Just Demonstrated the Right Way to Use the Pardon Power

Slate  

The power to grant pardons and reprieves has long been a controversial one. Chief Justice John Marshall described that power in lyrical terms as “an act of grace, proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws.” In 1866 the court returned to the subject and acknowledged that clemency power is “unlimited.” It extends, the court noted, “to …

With pardons in Maryland, 2.5 million Americans will have marijuana convictions cleared or forgiven
9 months, 1 week ago

With pardons in Maryland, 2.5 million Americans will have marijuana convictions cleared or forgiven

Associated Press  

Maryland this week became the latest state to announce mass pardons for people convicted of marijuana-related crimes as the nation wrestles with how to make amends for the lives disrupted in the decadeslong war on drugs. Wes Moore’s plan, more than 175,000 convictions for possession of cannabis or drug paraphernalia will be pardoned, but not permanently erased from people’s criminal …

US governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions
9 months, 1 week ago

US governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions

Hindustan Times  

The governor of the US state of Maryland issued a mass pardon of drug offenses on Monday, in a far-reaching move forgiving 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions across multiple decades. US governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions Democrat Wes Moore said his act "the most sweeping state-level pardon" in American history was aimed at addressing social and economic injustices disproportionately impacting tens …

U.S. governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions
9 months, 1 week ago

U.S. governor pardons 175,000 marijuana convictions

Raw Story  

The governor of the U.S. state of Maryland issued a mass pardon of drug offenses on Monday, in a far-reaching move forgiving 175,000 low-level marijuana convictions across multiple decades. Democrat Wes Moore said his act -- "the most sweeping state-level pardon" in American history -- was aimed at addressing social and economic injustices disproportionately impacting tens of thousands of Black …

Tens of thousands of Marylanders receive pardons for marijuana convictions
9 months, 1 week ago

Tens of thousands of Marylanders receive pardons for marijuana convictions

Associated Press  

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 …

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore set to issue 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions
9 months, 1 week ago

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore set to issue 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Wes Moore is scheduled to sign an executive order to issue 175,000 …

Maryland governor signs order pardoning more than 175,000 marijuana convictions
9 months, 1 week ago

Maryland governor signs order pardoning more than 175,000 marijuana convictions

LA Times  

Wes Moore signs the executive order Monday with Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee at his side and other state officials and criminal justice advocates behind him. 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 …

Massachusetts council approves pardoning people with misdemeanor cannabis convictions
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Massachusetts council approves pardoning people with misdemeanor cannabis convictions

Associated Press  

BOSTON — A Massachusetts council on Wednesday approved Gov. The pardons approved by the Governor’s Council will take effect immediately, although it will take some time to update state criminal records, officials said. The pardons will apply to all adults convicted prior to March 13 in state court for possession of marijuana or a “Class D substance.” Most people will …

Massachusetts governor to pardon those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession
1 year ago

Massachusetts governor to pardon those convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday said she would issue pardons for tens of thousands of people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges going back decades in the latest example of a state ambitiously seeking to forgive low-level drug offenders. If approved, the pardons will apply to all adult Massachusetts state court misdemeanor convictions before March 13, 2024, for …

Massachusetts governor proposes sweeping marijuana pardons
1 year ago

Massachusetts governor proposes sweeping marijuana pardons

Politico  

Healey’s proposal still needs approval by the state’s Governor’s Council, which is comprised of all Democrats and has a record of backing Healey’s past requests for clemency for certain individuals. Biden granted a pardon to all people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law back in 2022, saying in a statement at the time that “sending people to prison …

Massachusetts governor to issue pardons for those convicted of cannabis possession
1 year ago

Massachusetts governor to issue pardons for those convicted of cannabis possession

Associated Press  

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey plans to announce this week that she’s following the lead of President Joe Biden and issuing pardons to those convicted of simple possession of cannabis at the state level, her office said Monday. In December, Biden pardoned thousands of people who had been convicted of the use and simple possession of marijuana on federal …

Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges and cuts non-violent drug sentences
1 year, 3 months ago

Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges and cuts non-violent drug sentences

ABC  

US President Joe Biden has reduced the prison terms of 11 people serving decades-long sentences for non-violent drug charges and pardoned potentially thousands of others with federal or Washington, DC marijuana possession offences. Key points: Thousands of people convicted of simple possession of cannabis have been pardoned in the US Joe Biden's latest round of clemencies are targeting racial disparities …

Biden pardons thousands of people convicted of marijuana offences
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden pardons thousands of people convicted of marijuana offences

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of people convicted of …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of executive clemencies meant to rectify racial disparities in the justice system. The categorical pardon builds on a similar round issued just before …

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden pardons thousands of marijuana offenders, gives clemency to 11 people

Al Jazeera  

The US president says the actions are meant to address disparities in sentencing that have long taken a toll on the Black community. US President Joe Biden has pardoned thousands of people convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, says the White House. Biden has also granted clemency to 11 …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington

LA Times  

A demonstrator waves a flag with marijuana leaves depicted on it during a protest calling for the legalization of marijuana outside of the White House. President Biden pardoned thousands of people who were convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, the White House said Friday, in his latest round of …

Massachusetts governor recommends pardons for seven just halfway through first year in office
1 year, 9 months ago

Massachusetts governor recommends pardons for seven just halfway through first year in office

Associated Press  

Maura Healey recommended pardons for seven individuals Thursday, an unusual move for a Massachusetts governor just five months into her first term. “I believe deeply in our justice system and the important work of making it more fair and equitable for all of our residents,” Healey said at the Statehouse. “Justice delayed can be justice denied.” Healey said the seven …

Oregon’s governor pardons thousands for pot convictions
2 years, 4 months ago

Oregon’s governor pardons thousands for pot convictions

Associated Press  

Kate Brown announced Monday she is pardoning an estimated 45,000 people convicted of simple possession of marijuana, a month after President Joe Biden did the same under federal law. “No one deserves to be forever saddled with the impacts of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana — a crime that is no longer on the books in Oregon,” said …

Beshear seeks details on marijuana possession convictions
2 years, 5 months ago

Beshear seeks details on marijuana possession convictions

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday that he’s asking for a review of how many Kentuckians have marijuana possession convictions as he considers President Joe Biden’s request that governors issue pardons for people convicted of state marijuana offenses. Meanwhile, Beshear’s review of marijuana issues expanded last week when Biden announced he’s pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of …

Why Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Are Not Enough
2 years, 5 months ago

Why Biden’s Marijuana Pardons Are Not Enough

Slate  

No prisoners will walk free following President Joe Biden’s pardon, last week, of low-level marijuana offenders. Several months after the state legalized medical marijuana, Mississippi’s Supreme Court upheld a life sentence for Allen Russell, who’d been convicted of possessing about an ounce. One reason illegal operators do so well is they don’t tax upward of 35 percent, which state consumers …

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action
2 years, 5 months ago

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action

Associated Press  

By pardoning Americans with federal convictions for marijuana possession, President Joe Biden said he aimed to partially redress decades of anti-drug laws that disproportionately harmed Black and Latino communities. “We know that this is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to people who are suffering the effects of marijuana prohibition,” said Maritza Perez, director of federal affairs …

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action
2 years, 5 months ago

Racial equity in marijuana pardons requires states’ action

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Advocates for overhauling the nation’s …

President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana
2 years, 5 months ago

President Joe Biden pardons thousands convicted of 'simple possession' of marijuana

Firstpost  

According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely for ‘simple possession’ of the drug, but the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job Washington: President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step …

Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden pardons thousands for ‘simple possession’ of marijuana

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. “It’s time that we right these wrongs.” According to the White House, no one is currently in federal prison solely …

Biden pardons thousands for 'simple possession' of marijuana
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden pardons thousands for 'simple possession' of marijuana

India Today  

US President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color. “There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational …

Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted on federal marijuana possession charges

LA Times  

Along with Thursday’s pardons, President Biden is calling for a review of cannabis’ classification as a Schedule I drug. President Biden on Thursday pardoned all individuals convicted on federal charges of simple marijuana possession, a move that the White House estimated would affect more than 6,500 people nationwide. — President Biden October 6, 2022 “It’s legal in many states, and …

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden pardons thousands convicted of marijuana possession

Al Jazeera  

US president’s move comes amid efforts to legalise marijuana federally after recent success of state-level campaigns. US President Joe Biden has announced a sweeping pardon for thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession under federal laws, penalties that have disproportionately affected Black and other people of colour across the United States. “There are thousands of people who have prior federal …

Biden faces ‘urgent’ calls for mass pardons for cannabis convictions
3 years, 3 months ago

Biden faces ‘urgent’ calls for mass pardons for cannabis convictions

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Members of Congress have “urgently” requested an update from President …

As Marijuana Goes On Sale In Illinois, Some Weed Convictions Pardoned
5 years, 2 months ago

As Marijuana Goes On Sale In Illinois, Some Weed Convictions Pardoned

NPR  

As Marijuana Goes On Sale In Illinois, Some Weed Convictions Pardoned Illinois is the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker says it's not to make cannabis widely available, but to "maximize equity" — including 11,000 pardons. BRYAN MACKEY, BYLINE: Illinois' first day of legal recreational marijuana featured long lines, more than $3 million in sales and …

Washington Gov. Inslee to pardon marijuana convictions
6 years, 2 months ago

Washington Gov. Inslee to pardon marijuana convictions

Associated Press  

SEATTLE — More than six years after the state legalized the adult use of marijuana, Washington Gov. “We have people who have this burden on their shoulders from a simple, one-time marijuana possession from maybe 20 years ago, and that’s impeding the ability of people to live their lives,” Inslee said in an interview. Inslee’s plan appears to be the …

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