NORML: Cannabis Policy Reforms Have Led to 2.5M Expungements or Pardons

Policy reforms in the U.S. have led to about 2.5 million expungements or pardons for cannabis convictions in recent years, according to a NORML tally outlined by the Associated Press. However, Paul Armentano, NORML’s deputy director, told the AP that those numbers are “a drop in the bucket when you consider the reality that over the last 50 years or so, over 30 million Americans have been arrested at the state or local level for marijuana.” 

Most recently, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) issued pardons for convictions for possessing cannabis or drug paraphernalia, which are expected to impact at least 175,000 convictions. Governors in other states, including Massachusetts, Nevada, and Oregon, have issued sweeping pardons over the past few years as well.

Pardons, however, are not seen as effective as expungements which remove the charge from criminal records entirely. Pardons can restore civil liberties, such as voting, serving on juries, and firearm ownership, while expungements can allow people to receive federal college tuition assistance, qualify for public housing, and allow parents to participate in their children’s school activities. 

President Joe Biden (D) has also ordered multiple rounds of pardons but affected individuals must apply for and obtain a certificate, and, according to the AP, just a little over 200 people have done so as of this month.