Cannabis Pardon

​​​​Governor Moore Issued Pardons for 175,000​ Maryland Cannabis Possession Convictions​

The Challenge

​In 2022, Maryland legalized the use of recreational cannabis. However, thousands of Marylanders continued to face barriers to housing, employment, and educational opportunities from previous convictions for cannabis use – sometimes from decades ago. Furthermore, Black Marylanders have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted for possession of cannabis at disproportionate rates, and the lasting impact is contrary to Maryland voters' overwhelming approval of the legalization of cannabis use and possession, and demand for fair and equitable administration of justice.

Our Solution

Governor Wes Moore pardoned these convictions to help alleviate the impact of Maryland's former inequitable and outdated enforcement of laws criminalizing personal use and possession of cannabis.

Instead of using the traditional process where each individual applies for a pardon, the Governor pushed for a data-driven approach that was easier for impacted Marylanders.​ ​He asked the Maryland Judiciary to identify eligible case records for individuals who were convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession that occurred prior to January 1, 2023. By sharing and using this data:

  • No one had to apply for a pardon. Instead, the pardon automatically applied to everyone who had any cannabis misdemeanor conviction. Anyone who is eligible for a pardon but who was not included in the mass pardon may apply for a pardon through the regular applica​tion process—as may be the case for individuals whose convictions pre-date electronically available record formats.
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  • Their criminal records were automatically updated. A conviction is captured in a court docket and in Maryland’s background check system, which is also shared with the FBI. The Governor asked both to be updated to reflect the pardon, requiring no action from Marylanders being pardoned. This is different from other states, where cannabis pardon recipients have to individually request proof of their pardon.

Results of Our Work

On June 17, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed a historic executive order pardoning 175,000 Maryland convictions for cannabis possession, including convictions for misdemeanor possession of cannabis and certain convictions for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. The order is the largest pardon for misdemeanor cannabis possession charges for any state and the inclusion of paraphernalia makes Maryland the first state to take such action. Of the 175,000 pardons issued, more than 150,000 represent misdemeanor convictions for simple cannabis possession and more than 18,000 represent misdemeanor convictions for use or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia.

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Additional Information and Resources

How to Receive Your Pardon

Individuals do not need to take any action to receive the pardon. Individuals can check Maryland Judiciary Case Search online or at a public kiosk at any courthouse in the state to verify whether they were included in the pardon.

Anyone who is eligible for a pardon but who was not included in the mass pardon may apply for a pardon through the regular applica​tion process—as may be the case for individuals whose convictions pre-date electronically available record formats.

Applying for Expungement

Though the Maryland Judiciary will make a note on the record that the offense has been pardoned, it will still appear on the individual’s record.

Individuals who want to remove a conviction from public records must file for an expungement. Learn more about filing for expungement. There are legal clinics in Maryland who can help with expunging cannabis possession convictions: