Maryland Gov. Wes Moore issues mass pardon for over 175,000 marijuana convictions

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a sweeping executive order Monday issuing pardons for more than 175,000 marijuana and drug paraphernalia convictions.

The mass order for low-level possession charges will be given to nearly 100,000 people, The Washington Post reported.

Moore said the decision is intended to address decades of social and economic injustice, including Marylanders of color being denied housing, employment and educational opportunities based on minor criminal records.

"We're taking actions that are intentional, that are sweeping and unapologetic," he said at a news conference early Monday.

"But there's a reason that we're being so intentional today," Moore said. "Policymaking is powerful. And if you look at the past, you see how policies have been intentionally deployed to hold back entire communities."