Internet split as Maryland Gov Wes Moore pardons over 175K marijuana convictions to give criminals 'a fresh start'

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: Maryland Governor Wes Moore pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions as he signed an executive order on Monday, June 17, to give the criminals a "fresh start", the Daily Mail reported.

The Democrat signed the order in the presence of state Attorney General Anthony Brown in Annapolis, making the Free State the first in the US to issue mass pardons on convictions related to cannabis paraphernalia.

According to a press call from the governor's office, 100,000 individuals, some facing more than one conviction, are estimated to be affected by the move. The pardons consisted of over 150,000 misdemeanor convictions over simply possessing cannabis and more than 18,000 misdemeanor convictions for using or possessing drug paraphernalia with intent to use.

Marijuana was legalized in Maryland in 2023 after a constitutional amendment passed in 2022.

Governor Wes Moore says Maryland will lead by example

"We cannot celebrate the benefits of legalization if we do not address the consequences of criminalization," Moore said, announcing the executive order to pardon marijuana convictions, according to NBC News.

"So I want to be clear: When it comes to cannabis, rolling out one of the best and most equitable legal markets in the country is incredibly important. But that rollout must go hand in hand with pardoning past conduct, and Maryland is going to lead by example," the Democrat added.

In a separate statement, Moore's administration said that it "is committed to promoting social equity and ensuring the fair and equitable administration of justice," adding that since cannabis possession was no longer illegal in Maryland, citizens should not face any hindrances to housing, employment, or educational opportunities because of such convictions.

However, pardons would not result in the release of anyone from incarceration.

In April, President Joe Biden's administration also made a historic change in marijuana rules. As a result, the US Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly would move to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug to ease restrictions nationwide.

The latest move of Maryland indicated the declining restrictions on marijuana, which 24 states, two territories of the US, and Washington DC, legalized for adult recreational use.

Maryland Gov Wes Moore's marijuana conviction pardons split Internet

Governor Wes Moore's executive order to pardon more than 175,000 marijuana convictions sparked a debate among netizens. While some welcomed the move, another group argued that it was aimed at attracting voters to the Democratic side.

One social media user said, "The right thing to do! Good!!!" While another added, "I’m sure society will be enriched greatly by getting criminals back on the street."

"Assuming they weren’t in there for violent crimes, then I have no issue. I’m not a fan of legalizing it, but if you do it, you owe it to those who were deemed criminals because of it," one person wrote.

Another added, "Show what they pleaded down from as the majority of people in jail are there for a reason. Let them free to cause more chaos for others. shameful."

One person commented, "Every state in the country should be doing this." Another added, "He sees them as votes."

One person stated, "Yes, this is why people with morals, decency, ethics and character needs to be in office!" Whereas another asked, "Where else can they find potential new voters?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.