Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Pardons 175,000 for Cannabis Convictions, Advocates and Organizations Applaud
Baltimore-native Shiloh Jordan was pulled over for a minor traffic violation, but ended up with a cannabis conviction on his record. This small amount of cannabis crumbs found in his car led to a misdemeanor charge that affected his job prospects and overall well-being. But thanks to the recent wave of 175,000 pardons issued by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Jordan and many others like him can finally have a clean slate.
From Petty Charge to Life-Changing Consequences
In an interview with The Associated Press, Jordan shared his experience of being pulled over and arrested for a small amount of cannabis. He recalls feeling shocked and defeated when this petty charge affected his job opportunities and overall outlook on life. But he didn’t let it stop him from pursuing his dreams and eventually finding success.
A Chance for Redemption
Thanks to the recent pardons issued by Gov. Moore, Jordan and thousands of others can finally have a chance to start fresh. These pardons not only clear their records, but also send a message that the War on Drugs has caused more harm than good. Moore believes that this is a necessary step towards righting the wrongs of the past and giving people a chance to rebuild their lives.
A Step Towards Change
At a news conference on June 17, Jordan stood alongside Gov. Moore as he announced the pardons. Jordan expressed his gratitude and hope for others who have been affected by petty cannabis charges. He believes that this is a big opportunity for people to overcome their struggles and move forward in a positive direction.
Pardons vs. Expungements
While the pardons are a step in the right direction, they are not the same as expungements. Those seeking to have their records completely cleared will still need to go through the court system. But for now, the pardons offer a glimmer of hope for those who have been unfairly affected by the War on Drugs.
