Governor Maura Healey says her blanket pardon plan for marijuana possession convictions could help hundreds of thousands of people.
Healey announced details of her pardon plan yesterday at the State House.
It calls for a blanket pardon of all state misdemeanor pot possession convictions, which advocates say can block people from getting jobs and housing.
“Nobody should face barriers to getting a job, housing or an education because of an old misdemeanor marijuana conviction that they would not be charged for today,” said Governor Healey. “We’re taking this nation-leading action as part of our commitment to using the clemency process to advance fairness and equity in our criminal justice system. We’re grateful for President Biden’s leadership on this at the federal level and proud to answer his call to take action in the states.”
“Marijuana laws have significantly changed over the past decade, and it’s essential that our criminal justice system adjusts with them. Governor Healey’s proposed pardon represents an important step toward righting historic wrongs, particularly around our country’s misguided War on Drugs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We thank the Governor’s Council for their careful consideration of this recommendation and look forward to continuing our progress to make Massachusetts a more fair and equitable home for all.”
The proposal must be approved by the Governor's Council.
(Photo credit GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: GEOFF ROBINS / AFP / Getty Images