Low-Level Cannabis Convictions in Maryland Automatically Shielded from Public View with New Legislation Signed by Governor

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Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed into law SB 432 which will now mandate state officials to automatically shield records connected to past and low-level cannabis convictions from public view (1,2). SB 432 states (2), “in any way refer to the existence of records of a charge of possession of cannabis in a case with electronic records if the charge resulted in a conviction that was later pardoned by the Governor.” Additionally, the law will allow for some offenses that a person has served their sentence to be able to be eligible for expungement.

“Our strategy to make Maryland safer has centered on an all-of-the-above approach – prioritizing data, coordination, accountability, rehabilitation, and prevention across all parts of society,” said Governor Moore (1,3). “Today, we continue our work by cracking down on ghost guns, delivering real second chances, and expanding opportunities for expungement. We will continue to drive down crime. And at the same time, we will ensure Marylanders who’ve been successfully rehabilitated aren’t denied access to health care, housing, and employment.”

In 2024, Governor Moore signed an executive order which pardoned more than 175,000 residents in the state who had misdemeanor cannabis-related offenses (1,4,5). In relation to the pardons, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said (1,4), “The enforcement of cannabis laws has disproportionately and overwhelmingly burdened communities of color. Opportunities were denied because those who were convicted faced steep obstacles to jobs, education, and housing. Governor Moore’s pardons will remove these barriers and enable thousands of Marylanders to lead productive lives without the impediments created by their prior convictions. I thank Governor Moore for his bold and decisive action in the name of fairness and equity.”

A year prior to the pardons, adult use cannabis became legalized in Maryland (1,6).

“Hundreds of thousands of Americans unduly carry the burden and stigma of a past conviction for behavior that most Americans, and a growing number of states, no longer consider to be a crime,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano expressed (1). “Our sense of justice and our principles of fairness demand that elected officials and the courts move swiftly to right the past wrongs of cannabis prohibition and criminalization.”

References

1. Norml. MD gov signs Bill expanding marijuana conviction expungement https://norml.org/blog/2025/04/23/maryland-governor-signs-legislation-expanding-expungement-shielding-low-level-marijuana-convictions-from-public-view/ (accessed Apr 28, 2025).
2. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0432 (accessed Apr 28, 2025).
3. Governor Moore signs legislation to promote public safety and criminal justice https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-signs-legislation-to-promote-public-safety-and-criminal-justice.aspx (accessed Apr 28, 2025).
4. McEvoy, E. Thousands of cannabis convictions pardoned in Maryland https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/thousands-of-cannabis-convictions-pardoned-in-massachusetts (accessed Apr 28, 2025).
5. Norml. Md governor issues mass pardons for those with misdemeanor marijuana convictions https://norml.org/blog/2024/06/17/maryland-governor-to-issue-mass-pardons-for-those-with-misdemeanor-marijuana-convictions/ (accessed Apr 28, 2025).
6. McEvoy, E. Growing like a weed: Maryland’s new cannabis sales numbers https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/growing-like-a-weed-maryland-s-new-cannabis-sales-numbers-and-effects (accessed Apr 28, 2025).