NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano called the Justice Department’s policy change “inappropriate and misguided. … Most Americans say that consuming cannabis should no longer be a crime; they certainly don’t want federal resources directed toward these misplaced priorities.”
As required by separate legislation signed by the Governor earlier this year, all pardoned cannabis possession offenses will be removed from public view by January 31, 2026.
“The legislation signed today strengthens the Moore-Miller Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to public safety while creating pathways to work, wages, and wealth for rehabilitated Marylanders,” the administration stated in a press release.
The bill provides relief for over 175,000 people with low-level marijuana convictions.
“This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs, correcting sentencing disparities, and providing deserving individuals the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending far too much time behind bars,” the President said in a statement.
“State law already recognizes that no one should be in jail for possessing small amounts of marijuana; this new law similarly recognizes that no one should be in jail for possessing marijuana paraphernalia.”
“Governors and lawmakers around the country are taking steps to right the past wrongs of cannabis criminalization. It’s a shame to see Louisiana’s Governor taking the state in a different direction.”
Moore’s pardon action automatically forgives every misdemeanor marijuana possession charge the Maryland judiciary can locate in the state’s electronic court records system, along with every misdemeanor paraphernalia charge tied to use or possession of marijuana.