Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued sweeping pardons forgiving possession of marijuana convictions, following the directive of President Joe Biden, who urged state executives to follow his lead in pardoning low-level marijuana offenses (view announcement).
It would apply to any adult convictions in Massachusetts state court for simple possession of marijuana. It would not apply to charges of distribution, trafficking or driving under the influence.
Massachusetts joins a number of states, including Illinois, Oregon and Pennsylvania, that have established pardon programs for low-level marijuana offenses.
Governor Healey has already taken historic action on pardons. She became the first Massachusetts Governor in decades to recommend pardons in her first year in office. She has pardoned a total of 13 people to date.
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