Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on June 17, 2024, pardoning over 175,000 cannabis possession-related convictions.

The pardons cover misdemeanor possession and possession of drug paraphernalia predating the decriminalization of cannabis in 2023.

This action marks the largest state-level pardon for misdemeanor cannabis charges in U.S. history.

Maryland is the first state to include paraphernalia convictions in such a pardon.

The move aims to address historical injustices from the war on drugs and has been hailed as a triumph for racial justice by Attorney General Anthony Brown.

Governor Moore's diverse background, including military service and leading a nonprofit, has sparked national political interest and speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2028.