7,000 Cannabis Pardons Issued by Maryland Governor Moore

In a Juneteenth event announcement, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared that he would be pardoning almost 7,000 people who have received cannabis crime convictions (1,2). Additionally, he announced that there would be a new program created to increase race-based equity (2).

“It's about access. It's about inclusion. And it's about wealth. Because that is the issue that we've got to address when it comes to this work of repair,” Moore mentioned (2). “What are we doing to address wealth and the wealth gap? And I'm really excited that Maryland again is moving more aggressively on this issue of ending the racial wealth gap than any other state in the country.”

Earlier this year in April 2024, Governor Moore signed SB 432 into law which mandated state officials to automatically shield records connected to past and low-level cannabis convictions from public view (3). The law also allowed for some offenses that a person has served their sentence to be able to be eligible for expungement.

In June 2024, Governor Moore announced the pardoning of 175,000 cannabis convictions (4). “Maryland made history when we legalized cannabis by referendum,” stated Governor Moore (4). “But we cannot celebrate the benefits of legalization while forgetting the consequences of criminalization. No Marylander should face barriers to housing, employment, or education based on convictions for conduct that is no longer illegal. Today, we take a big step forward toward ensuring equal justice for all. But this won't be our last effort. We must continue to move in partnership to build a state and society that is more equitable, more just, and leaves no one behind.”

Cannabis was legalized in the state by voters in 2022.

At the Juneteenth event, the Maryland governor disclosed that $400 million “would be dedicated to historically underserved Maryland neighborhoods to help raise home appraisal values and increase home ownership,” (1). Additionally, Governor Moore mentioned that there would be a $1.34 billion investment made to historically Black universities and colleges, which include Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Bowie State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (1,5). $816 million would be provided in procurement contracts to Black-owned businesses.

References

1. Abbott, G. Maryland governor issues 7,000 cannabis pardons https://www.ganjapreneur.com/maryland-governor-issues-7000-cannabis-pardons/ (accessed Jun 20, 2025).
2. Yancy, S.; Leslie, K.; Staff. Cannabis pardons, reparations, commanders plans: Maryland gov. Moore on Hot Topics https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/maryland-gov-moore-issues-cannabis-pardons-announces-homeownership-program/3940459/ (accessed Jun 20, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Low-level cannabis convictions in Maryland automatically shielded from public view with new legislation signed by governor https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/low-level-cannabis-convictions-in-maryland-automatically-shielded-from-public-view-with-new-legislation-signed-by-governor (accessed Jun 20, 2025).
4. McEvoy, E. Thousands of cannabis convictions pardoned in Maryland https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/thousands-of-cannabis-convictions-pardoned-in-massachusetts (accessed Jun 20, 2025).
5. Breaking Local News Report . Maryland governor touts $816 million to “black” businesses, weed pardons on Juneteenth https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2025/06/19/maryland-governor-touts-816-million-to-black-businesses-weed-pardons-on-juneteenth/ (accessed Jun 20, 2025).