One Year Later: Remembering Gov. Wes Moore’s Historic Cannabis Pardons

On this day one year ago, Maryland made history.

Governor Wes Moore issued a sweeping pardon for more than 174,000 cannabis-related convictions, becoming the first state in the country to take such a bold step toward righting the wrongs of the War on Drugs. For the Black community — disproportionately targeted and criminalized for low-level cannabis offenses — this was more than a policy move. It was a moment of long-overdue recognition.

🗣️ “We cannot celebrate legalization without addressing the lives that were destroyed in the process. These pardons are a start, but they’re not the end.” — CashColorCannabis podcast, June 2024

In that same week last summer, we sat down on the CashColorCannabis Podcast to break it all down — from the politics that made it possible, to the people whose lives would be forever changed. Gov. Moore’s announcement signaled a shift in cannabis justice, especially coming from a Black governor leading a state that had just rolled out adult-use sales.

And while the news cycle has moved on, we haven’t forgotten.

This anniversary is a chance to reflect, but also to check in on the promise of that moment. Have Maryland agencies made it easier for folks to access job opportunities, housing, and licenses post-pardon? Have other governors followed suit? What’s the next step in building real equity?

We’ll be revisiting these questions — and more — on the podcast and in our magazine over the coming weeks.

Until then, take a moment to revisit our original episode:
🎧 “Maryland Made History – A Cannabis Conversation”

Let’s not let this just be a one-year celebration. Let’s keep pushing for justice every year, every state, every day.