John,

Earlier this week, I signed a historic executive order to pardon 175,000 convictions in Maryland related to the possession of cannabis. This includes convictions for misdemeanor possession of cannabis and certain convictions for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

This is the largest pardon in the country — and I am proud to make history right here in our state and lead the way for other states to follow in our step in the right direction.

This order will change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Marylanders.

We made history when we legalized cannabis by referendum. But we cannot celebrate legalization while forgetting the consequences of criminalization. When it comes to cannabis, rolling out one of the best and most equitable legal markets in the country is important, but that rollout must go hand-in-hand with pardoning past conduct.

We are taking a big step toward enacting policies that can reverse the harm of the past and help us build a brighter future. We couldn’t have gotten here without the extraordinary partnership of our incredible lawmakers, leaders, and advocates.

Today, I’m hoping you’ll help us celebrate this historic moment by adding a donation right now to support the work our administration is doing to change the lives of Marylanders. We’re just getting started, and we’ll need your ongoing support.

Thank you for joining us in this historic moment.

Elevate,

Wes