In a groundbreaking move, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has issued over 175,000 pardons for misdemeanor cannabis possession and use convictions, marking one of the largest state-issued pardons in U.S. history. The pardons apply to more than 150,000 misdemeanor convictions for cannabis possession and over 18,000 misdemeanor convictions for the use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Governor Moore, a Democrat serving his first term, emphasized that these pardons were just a step and not a conclusion. He stressed the importance of righting the wrongs caused by criminalization in order to make progress. The governor addressed the impact of these convictions on individuals' lives, hindering their ability to find employment, pursue education, start businesses, and reintegrate with their families.

The pardons were announced at a news conference in Annapolis, where Governor Moore referred to it as the largest action of its kind in the nation's history. The move comes after Marylanders voted in favor of recreational cannabis use for adults during the 2022 general election, and cannabis was officially legalized in the state on July 1, 2023.

However, it is essential to note that Monday's pardons will not result in the release of any currently incarcerated individuals. The cases eligible for pardons were mainly related to misdemeanor use or intent to use drug paraphernalia and were not associated with other charges. The pardons also do not affect voting rights, as incarcerated individuals for misdemeanors or those being held pre-trial maintain their right to vote in Maryland.

The exact number of people affected by these pardons remains uncertain, as some individuals will be pardoned for multiple convictions. To check if they have received a pardon, individuals with these convictions can visit kiosks at any state courthouse or the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website, which will update in approximately two weeks. Eligible individuals who did not receive a pardon can apply for one through the regular application process available on the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website.

Baltimore City accounts for at least a quarter of the convictions receiving pardons. The state's Black community, in particular, has been disproportionately affected by these convictions. Governor Moore acknowledged the need to address the harm caused by such disparities and expressed his commitment to continuing the work to rectify these injustices.

It is crucial to note that pardons, issued solely by the governor, still allow for the display of convictions on an individual's record. To have a pardoned conviction removed from their record, individuals must file for expungement in the court where the case was concluded.

Governor Moore's decision has drawn attention to the broader issue of cannabis-related convictions and their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. The governor hopes that these sweeping pardons will serve as an example to governors in other states, demonstrating the power they have to rectify long-standing injustices independent of the federal government.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland reports that 71% of the state's prison population is comprised of Black men, the highest percentage among all states. Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, chair of Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus, praised Governor Moore's historic order and acknowledged the need for continued efforts in partnership with the General Assembly to mitigate the long-term impact of criminal convictions.

Attorney General Anthony Brown echoed the need for change, noting that cannabis enforcement has not been colorblind. Comparing the residuals of slavery to current disparities in arrests and convictions, Brown emphasized the importance of undoing the shackles that have left an indelible mark on Maryland and the nation.

Governor Moore's groundbreaking pardons are seen as a significant step toward addressing the consequences of cannabis criminalization, as well as promoting social justice and equality in Maryland.