EDITORIAL: A pardon is one thing, expungement is another
Maryland Governor Wes Moore ordered more than 175,000 pardons for people convicted of marijuana possession this week, declaring it “the largest such action in our nation’s history,” at a subsequent press conference. As a result, thousands of Marylanders, the bulk of whom are Black and Hispanic, will have barriers removed to housing, employment, and educational opportunities.
Even so, there is much to be done before those currently incarcerated can be released and have the conviction expunged from their background check.
As the governor noted, “Legalization does not turn back the clock on decades of harm that was caused by this war on drugs. It doesn’t erase the fact that Black Marylanders were three times more likely to be arrested for cannabis than white Marylanders before legalization. It doesn’t erase the fact that having a conviction on your record means a harder time with everything—everything, from housing to employment to education.”
A year ago, Maryland, along with 23 other states and the District of Columbia, legalized recreational cannabis. It’s to be seen how many other states follow Moore’s decision, an action put in effect on the federal level by President Biden two years ago.
What remains in question about the legalization of marijuana is how it’s viewed from a state and a federal level, as well as the amount in one’s possession, and if the conviction stems solely from a marijuana charge.
Moore’s pardons are sure to stimulate additional action from other states, but they should be advised that pardons absolve people from criminal offenses and they don’t have to initiate any action for the pardon to be issued. However, a pardon does not mean a record is wiped clean: A person has to take this matter up with the court to remove these convictions from public view.
Moreover, much more restorative policing is necessary, including prioritizing commercial marijuana licenses for those formerly incarcerated.
Wes, you’ve picked up the ball from the president. Let’s hope others emulate your commitment and put the issue back on the agenda.
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