Maryland Pardons 175,000 Cannabis Convictions in Landmark Move

Governor Wes Moore's executive order addresses racial inequities and sets a new precedent in U.S. cannabis reform.

Pardons include over 150,000 misdemeanor convictions for simple possession and 18,000 low-level offenses related to cannabis paraphernalia.
Maryland becomes the first state to pardon low-level cannabis paraphernalia convictions, reflecting a broader shift in drug policy.
Governor Moore emphasizes the pardons as a step towards mitigating barriers in housing, employment, and education for affected individuals.
The move is part of a growing trend, with over 2.5 million Americans having their cannabis convictions cleared or forgiven in recent years.
Advocates see this as a crucial step in addressing the racial disparities exacerbated by the war on drugs.