Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made a groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, revealing plans to pardon all prior adult misdemeanor convictions for marijuana possession in the state. This move, if approved by the Governor's Council, would automatically clear the records of hundreds of thousands of individuals who have been convicted of simple marijuana possession.

Healey emphasized that the pardons would be "automatic," meaning that those affected would not need to take any action to have their criminal records updated. The governor's office explained that the pardon acts as forgiveness for a conviction and would not apply to any marijuana convictions after March 13, 2024, or other related offenses like driving under the influence. It would also not impact juvenile marijuana possession cases.

The decision to pardon these convictions comes in response to the stark racial disparities in marijuana-related arrests, with Black people in Massachusetts being four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than White residents. Attorney General Andrea Campbell highlighted that these disparities were not due to higher rates of marijuana possession among Black individuals.

Healey's announcement follows in the footsteps of President Joe Biden, who pardoned thousands convicted of simple marijuana possession on federal lands at the end of last year and urged governors to do the same. Healey described her pardon as the most sweeping by any state governor thus far.

The move is seen as a step towards racial equity and removing barriers to housing and employment for those with marijuana convictions. Healey stressed that nobody should face obstacles in securing a job, housing, or education due to an old misdemeanor marijuana conviction.

Massachusetts residents voted to legalize adult recreational use of marijuana in 2016, a decision that Healey was initially opposed to. However, she expressed hope that her willingness to evolve on the issue would resonate with voters.

In conclusion, Governor Maura Healey's plans to pardon all simple marijuana possession charges in Massachusetts represent a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and promoting fairness and equity in the criminal justice system.