State Of Maryland Pardons 175,000 Individuals Convicted Of Marijuana-Related Offenses

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is vacating the convictions of more than 175,000 people who were previously convicted of cannabis-related crimes. The governor called this “the most sweeping state-level pardon in any state in American history.”

The absolutions come more than a year after Maryland legalized recreational marijuana use. The vast majority of the cases are misdemeanors. More than 150,000 convictions are for simple possession of cannabis. 18,000 convictions are for possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

There’s no way to know specifically how many individuals will be affected by the pardons. One individual could have multiple convictions pardoned as part of the governor’s outreach. The tally focuses on cases that are in Maryland’s computerized system. Those with records that predate the system can also seek to have their convictions vacated. Even decades-old convictions could be absolved.

Absolutions will ease burden on those convicted of low-level drug offenses 

While the pardons will absolve individuals of guilt, they will not result in anyone getting out of jail. When Maryland legalized adult marijuana use and established a cannabis market last year, the state halted cases covered by the pardons. But the governor hopes his action eases the social and economic damage caused by the war on drugs, a harm, he says, that advocates say has been found to profoundly and disproportionately impact those in the Hispanic and Black communities.

According to the ACLU, Black people were 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, despite similar usage rates. While the number of marijuana-related arrests dropped in many states, the racial disparities in enforcement still persisted, the ACLU said, citing figures as recent as 2018.

Past drug policies and the War on Drugs contributed to minorities having less access to jobs, housing, and education opportunities. It also explains the wealth gap between the races in Maryland.

Maryland is one of 24 states where marijuana is legal 

Maryland joins 24 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use. While legalization has been good, for the most part, it doesn’t undo the damage caused by prosecuting offenses related to marijuana. In almost every case where marijuana has been legalized, there has been some acknowledgment of the past wrongs that criminalization caused to minority communities. Hundreds of thousands of marijuana-related criminal convictions have been forgiven in such states. In other states, the convictions have been sealed or expunged.

Talk to a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today 

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered represent the interests of those who have been charged with drug-related crimes. We can also help you vacate a conviction for marijuana possession if you are not automatically absolved by the computerized system. Call our Bel Air family law attorneys today to schedule an appointment, and learn more about how we can help.

Source:

npr.org/2024/06/17/nx-s1-5008665/maryland-pardons-175000-marijuana-convictions-national