Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Pardons 175,000 Marijuana Convictions

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has issued an executive order pardoning over 175,000 marijuana-related convictions, primarily for misdemeanour possession and related charges.

This move aims to address the harm caused by past drug policies and promote a brighter future for those affected. The pardons include:

- 150,000+ misdemeanours for simple possession of cannabis

- 18,000 misdemeanours for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia

Governor Moore emphasized the significance of this action, acknowledging the need to reverse the harm of the past and build a better future. This decision aligns with growing efforts to reform drug policies and address the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities.

Governor Wes Moore's decision to pardon over 175,000 marijuana-related convictions in Maryland is a deliberate step towards addressing the historical injustices and systemic racism that have disproportionately affected communities of colour.

By removing these criminal records, Moore aims to alleviate the barriers that have prevented individuals from accessing employment, housing, and education. This move is a crucial step towards promoting inclusive economic growth and rectifying the wrongs of the past.

The fact that Baltimore City accounts for approximately 25% of the pardoned convictions highlights the significant impact of this decision on urban communities. Moore's actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing the lingering effects of discriminatory drug policies and fostering a more equitable society.

Baltimore Mayor, Brandon Scott and Maryland Governor, Wes Moore have acknowledged the devastating impact of the war on drugs on cities like Baltimore and the lives of its residents using this gesture of the release of the convicts.

It is a significant step towards healing and addressing the lingering effects of this legacy. Mayor Scott notes that the wounds from the war on drugs are still felt deeply in Baltimore, with many lives, families, and communities disrupted and destroyed.

The pardons, which are expected to disproportionately benefit Black Marylanders, have the potential to be life-changing for those affected. By acknowledging and working to correct the harms of the past, Maryland is taking a crucial step towards a more just and equitable future.

Attorney General Anthony Brown hailed the pardoning of over 175,000 marijuana-related convictions in Maryland as a significant victory for African Americans and other communities of colour who were disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

The move comes after Maryland legalised adult-use recreational marijuana in 2022, joining the District of Columbia and 24 other states that have done the same. The pardons align with President Biden's efforts to decriminalise marijuana and address racial disparities in the justice system, which include pardoning thousands of individuals in 2022.

The Justice Department has also proposed reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug, which would reduce its federal classification level and acknowledge its potential medical benefits.

These developments reflect a growing recognition of the need to address the harms caused by the war on drugs and promote a more just and equitable approach to drug policy.
Source:https://www.cbsnews.com/ 
Image:https://www.latimes.com/