The Massachusetts Governor’s Council approved Gov. Maura Healey’s plan to pardon tens of thousands of people convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges dating back decades. The pardons will take effect immediately, but it will take some time to update state criminal records. Healey stated that this historic move will help lower barriers faced by individuals when seeking housing, education, or employment. Massachusetts joins several other states, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Missouri, and Oregon, in pardoning low-level marijuana offenders.
The pardons will apply to all adults convicted in state court prior to March 13 for possession of marijuana or a “Class D substance.” Most individuals will not need to take any action to have their criminal records updated. An online page has been set up by the state for individuals to request certificates confirming their marijuana pardons. Healey, a former state attorney general, explained that this is the most sweeping pardon by a governor since President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people with federal marijuana possession convictions in December.
A pardon serves as forgiveness initiated by the governor for a conviction, but it does not automatically seal or expunge criminal records. Healey emphasized that these pardons are a matter of justice, as many individuals still have marijuana convictions on their records despite the state decriminalizing possession for personal use in 2008 and legalizing recreational marijuana in 2016. This move by Massachusetts aligns with Biden’s call for governors to follow suit in pardoning individuals with marijuana-related convictions, dating back to the war on drugs in the 1970s and earlier.
The impact of these pardons will be significant for those who have been burdened by past marijuana convictions, as it will help remove barriers to opportunities such as housing, education, and employment. Healey’s plan aims to provide these individuals with a fresh start by clearing their criminal records of charges related to low-level marijuana offenses. The online page set up by the state for requesting certificates will streamline the process for individuals to confirm their pardons and move forward without the stigma of past convictions.
The move by Massachusetts to pardon thousands of individuals with misdemeanor marijuana charges reflects a broader shift towards criminal justice reform in the United States. By recognizing the impact of past convictions and taking proactive steps to address them, the state is paving the way for a more equitable and just system. Healey’s leadership in this initiative highlights the importance of reforming laws and policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Through these pardons, Massachusetts is setting an example for other states to follow in addressing the legacy of the war on drugs and promoting justice and fairness for all individuals.
In pardoning individuals with misdemeanor marijuana charges, Massachusetts is not only correcting past injustices but also working towards a more inclusive and progressive society. By clearing the records of these individuals, the state is removing barriers that have prevented them from fully participating in society. This initiative represents a step towards ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and can live free from the shadow of past convictions. It demonstrates the power of forgiveness and redemption in creating a more compassionate and equitable society for all.
