LOS ANGELES- Recent cannabis policy reforms in the United States have resulted in approximately 2.5 million pardons or expungements for cannabis-related convictions, according to a tally by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) reported by the Associated Press. Despite this progress, Paul Armentano, NORML’s deputy director, emphasized that this figure is relatively small compared to the estimated 30 million Americans arrested for cannabis offenses over the past 50 years.
Among the recent actions, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued pardons for convictions related to cannabis possession or drug paraphernalia, potentially affecting at least 175,000 individuals. Other states, including Massachusetts, Nevada, and Oregon, have also implemented broad pardons.
However, experts note that pardons, while beneficial in restoring civil liberties such as voting rights, jury service, and firearm ownership, do not remove the conviction from an individual’s criminal record. In contrast, expungements completely erase the charge, allowing individuals to access federal college tuition assistance, qualify for public housing, and participate in their children’s school activities.
On a federal level, President Joe Biden has issued multiple rounds of pardons for cannabis-related offenses. Nevertheless, the process requires individuals to apply for and obtain a certificate. According to the Associated Press, only a little over 200 people have completed this process to date.
