Maryland's governor is set to issue a pardon for more than 175,000 marijuana convictions on Monday morning, as reported by local media. Governor Wes Moore is expected to forgive low-level marijuana possession charges for approximately 100,000 individuals. The pardons will extend to those who have passed away as well.
The pardon will automatically clear every misdemeanor marijuana possession charge found in the state's electronic court records system, including paraphernalia charges related to marijuana use or possession. Governor Moore expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to correct historical injustices, particularly those that have disproportionately affected communities of color.
The timing of the pardons coincides with Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US. Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown highlighted the disproportionate impact of marijuana convictions on Black and Brown Marylanders, emphasizing the need to address systemic disparities.
In 2022, Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana for individuals aged 21 and older, which came into effect on July 1, 2023. Public perception of cannabis has shifted significantly in recent years, with a record 70% of Americans supporting legalization in a 2023 Gallup survey, compared to 51% in 2014.
After more than 50 years of being classified as a Schedule I substance, the Biden administration recommended reclassifying marijuana as a lower-risk Schedule III controlled substance. This move followed a review by the US Food and Drug Administration and support from President Biden.
Currently, 24 states, two territories, and Washington, DC have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, while 38 states allow medical cannabis products. State-licensed cannabis businesses are projected to generate $32.1 billion in sales this year, reflecting the growing acceptance and economic impact of the cannabis industry.
