Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has revealed plans to issue pardons for tens of thousands of individuals convicted of misdemeanor marijuana charges dating back several decades. The pardons will apply to all adult Massachusetts state court misdemeanor convictions before March 13, 2024, related to possession of marijuana or 'Class D substance.' Governor Healey emphasized that most individuals will not need to take any action to have their criminal records updated.
The pardons are contingent on approval from the Governor’s Council. If approved, they will take effect immediately after the council votes, although updating criminal records will require some time. Governor Healey described these pardons as the most comprehensive since President Joe Biden's federal pardons for marijuana possession convictions.
