Maryland Governor to Pardon 100,000 Marijuana Convicts in “Righting Historical Wrongs

The Washington Post reported a significant act of clemency involving the pardon of about 100,000 individuals with misdemeanor convictions for possession of marijuana or paraphernalia in Maryland. This action is part of a broader effort to address social and economic injustices that disproportionately impact Black communities. The move is described as one of the most far-reaching and aggressive executive actions in response to changing marijuana laws in various states. Maryland recently legalized cannabis for adults and approved retail sales of the drug.

The aim is to remove barriers that have long affected communities of color, including limitations on employment, education, and housing due to criminal records. According to Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, the pardons will have a positive impact on Black and Brown Marylanders, who have been disproportionately affected by marijuana possession convictions. The state’s demographics show that while 33 percent of its population is Black, more than 70 percent of the male incarcerated population is Black, highlighting the racial disparities within the criminal justice system. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that Black individuals are more than three times as likely to be arrested for possessing marijuana compared to white individuals.

These statistics underscore the need for addressing inequities within the criminal justice system and the impact of drug-related convictions on marginalized communities.