Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has made a historic move by pardoning 175,000 marijuana convictions in a sweeping order aimed at addressing the impact of the war on drugs in the state. The pardons will apply to individuals who were convicted for possession of marijuana, a charge that disproportionately affects communities of color.
The decision comes after years of advocacy by activists and lawmakers who have called for criminal justice reform and the expungement of non-violent drug offenses. Governor Hogan’s action is seen as a step towards addressing the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and providing relief to individuals who have been burdened by their past convictions.
In a statement, Governor Hogan emphasized the need for criminal justice reform and the importance of giving individuals a second chance. He acknowledged that the war on drugs has had a devastating impact on communities and that the pardons are a significant step towards righting the wrongs of the past.
The pardons will not only provide relief to those individuals who have been burdened by their past convictions but will also help to remove the stigma associated with drug offenses. Governor Hogan’s decision is being hailed as a progressive move towards criminal justice reform and a recognition of the need to address the inequities in the legal system.
The pardons will be automatically applied to individuals who have been convicted for possession of marijuana, and those who are eligible will receive notification from the state. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of individuals in Maryland and will hopefully pave the way for further reforms in the criminal justice system.
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