Maryland Pardons 175,000 Weed Convictions in Juneteenth Action

Maryland Governor Wes Moore pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions, addressing what he said were longstanding inequities in the criminal justice system connected to the recreational drug.

The executive order issued Monday includes more than 150,000 misdemeanor convictions for simple possession of cannabis and over 18,000 misdemeanor convictions for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. Maryland legalized possession and use of small amounts of marijuana last year.

“Marylanders should not continue to face barriers to housing, employment, or educational opportunities based on convictions for conduct that is no longer illegal,” Moore, a Democrat, said in a statement. ...