(Washington, DC) — Today, Governor Wes Moore (MD) issued a blanket pardon for individuals convicted of marijuana possession in Maryland. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former drug policy advisor to Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama issued the following statement in response:
“Governor Moore’s actions are important for promoting criminal justice reform, and helping restore faith in our criminal justice system. Simple marijuana possession should be treated more like a speeding ticket than a criminal offense. These reforms are distinct from legalization and commercialization of today’s highly potent THC drugs, issues that pot enthusiasts love to conflate.
“Governor Moore’s actions also prove that we don’t have to federally legalize a Big Tobacco-backed industry to achieve criminal justice reform. President Biden issued a mass pardon for federal simple marijuana possession convictions in 2022. Even though no one was released from prison because of his pardon, this move also proved that we don’t have to legalize marijuana to make strides in reform.
“No one deserves to be in jail for a joint. But we should also not be selling highly potent THC products, nor should we promote and encourage use among young people.”