In a historic move on Monday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order erasing more than 175,000 misdemeanor marijuana convictions.
It is one of the largest state-issued pardons in United States history.
“We’ll be clear: This is just a step — this is not a conclusion,” Moore, a Democrat, told a reporter on Monday morning. “You have to be able to right these wrongs in order for the right steps to be made.”
Moore said people were wrongly convicted in the war on drugs. He added that Monday’s pardons were “a hard-fought victory” for low-level lawbreakers.
“Undoing decades of harm cannot happen in a day, but we’re going to keep up the work, we’re going to keep up the pace and were going to do it together. This is about recognizing our collective, shared humanity,” he said. “This is about how changing how both government and society view those who have been walled-off from opportunity because of broken and uneven policies.”
The pardons come after Maryland residents voted overwhelmingly to approve recreational use cannabis for adults during the 2022 general election. Marijuana officially became legalized in the state on July 1, 2023.
X/Twitter reacted to the news on Monday.
#wtpBLUE
Gov Wes Moore makes an intelligent, important point. Justice should reflect fairness and give people a path to redemption when appropriate. It’s time to make changes and move forward. The Democratic Party is ready and willing #VoteBlueForOurFuture #BidenHarris24— Mary???? (@MaryBittel) June 18, 2024
Please provide skilled training and job opportunities for them to support independent living standards. @GovWesMoore
— Vonnie932 (@Vonnie932) June 17, 2024
There is no governors election in Maryland this year. When do you feel wes Moore should have done this, considering he became governor last year?
— Seller Of Bridges ??? (@BridgesSeller) June 18, 2024
