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 lands and in the District of Columbia. Biden had said his actions would help make the “promise of equal justice a reality.” December’s action was meant to build on a similar round of pardons issued just before the 2022 midterm elections of those convicted of simple possession on federal lands. At the time, Biden called on governors to issue similar pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses, which reflect the vast majority of marijuana possession cases.

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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 …

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 …

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 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 …

Biden’s historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Biden’s historic marijuana shift is his latest election year move for young voters

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — President Joe Biden may eventually ban TikTok, but he’s moving to give something back to the young people who dominate the popular social media app — a looser federal grip on marijuana. Facing softening support from a left-leaning voting group that will be crucial to his reelection hopes in November, Biden has made a number of election year …

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 …

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 …

Governor’s new stance revives New Hampshire marijuana effort
1 year, 10 months ago

Governor’s new stance revives New Hampshire marijuana effort

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Gov. The House Commerce Committee voted Tuesday to amend an unrelated bill as a vehicle for a new plan where the state regulates marijuana the same way it controls the sale of wine and liquor, in line with what the Republican governor and potential presidential candidate outlined. The latest measure is similar to a plan lawmakers considered …

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 …

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri
2 years, 4 months ago

Voters approve recreational marijuana in Maryland, Missouri

Associated Press  

— Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. “State-level legalization victories are what’s necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level.” The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. “It’s pretty clear North …

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana
2 years, 4 months ago

Voters in five states decide whether to legalize marijuana

Firstpost  

The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana Arkansas: Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalization in even the most conservative parts of the country. The …

Biden’s Focus on Marijuana Is Part of the Problem
55 years, 2 months ago

Biden’s Focus on Marijuana Is Part of the Problem

Slate  

This story was produced in partnership with the Garrison Project, an independent, nonpartisan organization addressing the crisis of mass incarceration and policing. He pledged to pardon everyone convicted in federal or Washington, DC courts of simple marijuana possession; encouraged governors to do the same for those convicted in state courts; and he promised he would ask his Secretary of Health …

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden’s pot pardons could boost states’ legalization drives

Associated Press  

— There are few surprises expected on Election Day in solidly Republican Arkansas, where Donald Trump’s former press secretary is heavily favored in the race for governor and other GOP candidates are considered locks. President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he will pardon thousands of people for simple marijuana possession has shined a new spotlight on the legalization efforts in …

Biden's pot pardons could boost states' legalization drive
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden's pot pardons could boost states' legalization drive

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. President Joe Biden's recent announcement that he will pardon thousands of people for simple …

Most People With Weed Convictions Don’t Qualify For Biden’s Pardons
2 years, 5 months ago

Most People With Weed Convictions Don’t Qualify For Biden’s Pardons

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Joe Biden pardoned every person convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law last week as policymakers belatedly recognize that people should not have their lives ruined over a drug that is now legal for recreational use in 19 states. No one is currently incarcerated in federal prison solely on simple possession charges, but the pardons …

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 …

Joe Biden's cannabis pardons matter — but the war on drugs' racist legacy lingers
2 years, 5 months ago

Joe Biden's cannabis pardons matter — but the war on drugs' racist legacy lingers

Raw Story  

Last week President Biden announced he would pardon people convicted of simple marijuana possession. This mass pardon could help over 6,000 people but it’s still a drop in the bucket in our fight to end the criminalization of marijuana use and the outsized harm to Black and brown communities from that criminalization. The executive order was clear that it didn’t …

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 …

As US pardons cannabis convictions Tories call for it to be classified the same as heroin
2 years, 5 months ago

As US pardons cannabis convictions Tories call for it to be classified the same as heroin

The Independent  

Tory police chiefs have called for cannabis to be classified the same as heroin – the same week US president Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people convicted of possessing the drug. Nobody is currently in US federal prison solely for the possession of a cannabis as most convictions happen at the state level But 6,500 people are expected to benefit …

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 announces mass pardon for low-level marijuana convictions, slamming ‘failed approach’ to drug war
2 years, 5 months ago

Biden announces mass pardon for low-level marijuana convictions, slamming ‘failed approach’ to drug war

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 has announced a mass pardon for people …

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 …

Granderson: After Biden's pardon, is Texas ready to rethink marijuana?
2 years, 5 months ago

Granderson: After Biden's pardon, is Texas ready to rethink marijuana?

LA Times  

Smoking at a cannabis bar in West Hollywood in 2019. “When I’m governor, we will finally legalize marijuana in Texas and expunge the records of those arrested for marijuana possession,” the Texas gubernatorial candidate tweeted. In Texas, with a Republican-controlled government since 2003, a poll of registered voters in August found that 67% of Republicans support legalizing medical marijuana and …

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 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 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 …

Missouri voters set to weigh in on recreational marijuana
2 years, 7 months ago

Missouri voters set to weigh in on recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

— A campaign to legalize recreational marijuana in Missouri gathered enough signatures to make it on the November ballot, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced Tuesday. Efforts to allow recreational marijuana use have failed to pass Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature for years, prompting advocates to go to voters for approval instead. Local NAACP chapters, the American Civil Liberties Union of …

Governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana
2 years, 10 months ago

Governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana

Associated Press  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s governor signed legislation Wednesday making the state the 19th in the nation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana, an issue that some lawmakers have been working on for years. McKee’s said the legislation accomplishes the priorities of making sure legalization is “equitable, controlled and safe.” Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey called it “a momentous day for …

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 …

Legal Weed Is Gaining A Little Ground Among GOP Congressmen
3 years, 8 months ago

Legal Weed Is Gaining A Little Ground Among GOP Congressmen

NPR  

Legal Weed Is Gaining A Little Ground Among GOP Congressmen Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Duncan/AP Mark Duncan/AP Most congressional Democrats say it is time to end a federal prohibition on marijuana, and a growing number of Republicans agree. Both political parties have budding plans for legal weed Joyce is co-sponsoring a GOP plan that would regulate marijuana like …

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 …

A look at efforts to make legal pot foster social justice
5 years, 10 months ago

A look at efforts to make legal pot foster social justice

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Questions about marijuana and social justice have played a prominent role this year in several U.S. states’ debates about pot legalization. A look at some initiatives around the country: ____ CALIFORNIA When voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, they also invited people to petition to have old pot convictions expunged or reduced. ___ MASSACHUSETTS Massachusetts’ 2016 recreational …

Here's where 20 Democratic presidential candidates stand on marijuana legalization
5 years, 10 months ago

Here's where 20 Democratic presidential candidates stand on marijuana legalization

Raw Story  

Last week, former Vice President Joe Biden joined the crowded Democratic primary, pushing the number of Democrats running for office to 20. "While Booker's bill requires expungement of records related to 'marijuana use or possession offense,' Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester's, applies to 'any Federal nonviolent offense involving marijuana.'" “The safe, regulated, and legal sale of marijuana is an idea whose …

Recreational Pot Shops Now Open For Business In Massachusetts
6 years, 4 months ago

Recreational Pot Shops Now Open For Business In Massachusetts

NPR  

Recreational Pot Shops Now Open For Business In Massachusetts Enlarge this image toggle caption Steven Senne/AP Steven Senne/AP Two years after Massachusetts voters approved the recreational use of marijuana in the state, adults with a valid ID can now buy some Moonshine Haze and a slew of other cannabis commodities. ET, Tuesday, two Massachusetts marijuana dispensaries opened their doors to …

For cannabis legalization in New England, it’s a slow burn
6 years, 8 months ago

For cannabis legalization in New England, it’s a slow burn

Associated Press  

BOSTON — New England may still be the next U.S. frontier for legal cannabis; just don’t try shopping for it quite yet. “It’s very convenient to go into a store, talk to someone in a not-sketchy way and understand what you are buying.” Since the 2016 election in Massachusetts that had seemed to settle the matter, dozens of municipalities have …

Trump administration scraps marijuana protections in move that threatens legalisation
7 years, 2 months ago

Trump administration scraps marijuana protections in move that threatens legalisation

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 US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has rescinded an Obama-era policy …

Following the example of voters, legislatures are trying to legalize marijuana — with mixed results
7 years, 10 months ago

Following the example of voters, legislatures are trying to legalize marijuana — with mixed results

LA Times  

Efforts to legalize marijuana have seen some successes in state legislatures in the Northeast. Here’s a look at how the debate over legalizing pot is playing out in three New England states and Delaware: Delaware In March, nearly a dozen lawmakers introduced a measure in the House that would legalize recreational marijuana. Rhode Island For three years, some lawmakers in …

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