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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore pardons 175,000 cannabis convictions.
This week, Gov. Moore held a press conference to announce that he would, with “with deep pride and soberness,” pardon 175,000 cannabis convictions, of which the vast majority (150,000) are simple possession misdemeanors.
“This is a responsibility that I take very, very seriously,” Moore said.
The timing just before Juneteenth, a federal holiday that recognizes and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, is not coincidental.
“While the order applies to all who meet its criteria, the impact is a triumphant victory for African Americans and other Marylanders of color who were disproportionately arrested, convicted and sentenced for actions yesterday that are lawful today,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said during the news conference. “Today is a momentous day for Maryland.”
The NAACP said the move to pardon ushered in a “new day.”
“The NAACP is proud to stand alongside the Moore Administration in celebrating this victory for progress. The Governor’s brave decision to pardon these 175,000 Americans will provide them with a new-found ability to attain opportunity,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement.
“Together, we will mold a future that shines a light over the darkness of our nation’s past.”
