Maryland Governor Wes Moore made a significant move on Monday by signing an executive order to clear more than 175,000 convictions linked to marijuana use. The mass pardon is expected to impact around 100,000 individuals, many of whom have multiple low-level convictions for possession. Gov. Moore emphasized the seriousness of this decision and its implications for equity and racial justice, particularly for African Americans and other people of color who have been disproportionately affected by past marijuana-related arrests and convictions. The timing of the executive order, just before Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, underscores its significance in addressing historical injustices. This action aligns with Maryland's recent legalization of recreational marijuana and decriminalization of small-scale possession. It also reflects a broader trend, as other states, cities, and the Biden administration have taken similar steps to pardon individuals with low-level marijuana offenses. It's important to note that while the mass pardon does not completely erase the convictions from individuals' criminal records, it does offer them the opportunity to seek expungement through the state court. Each case will be reviewed individually by judges, and the expungement process is not automatic. In summary, Gov. Moore's executive order represents a significant step towards rectifying the impact of past marijuana-related convictions, particularly for communities of color, and aligns with the broader trend of states and cities taking action to address this issue.