Cannabis Justice Reform: Maryland Advances Record-Sealing Bill for Pardoned Offenses

8 April 2025

Maryland is poised to significantly expand cannabis justice reform with Senate Bill 432, a measure that would automatically shield public access to low-level marijuana convictions pardoned by Governor Wes Moore. The bill, which passed both chambers and awaits Moore’s signature, represents a major step in helping thousands of Marylanders move beyond the burdens of outdated cannabis laws.

The move follows Moore’s 2024 executive order that pardoned over 175,000 marijuana-related convictions — the largest mass pardon in state history. However, until now, the public records remained visible, limiting employment, housing, and business opportunities for many. Senate Bill 432 will remove these convictions from public databases like Maryland Judiciary Case Search, offering real relief to those affected.

The bill also expands eligibility for expungement, eliminating the old requirement that individuals complete parole or probation first. Now, Marylanders can seek expungement based on finishing their sentence and a waiting period tied to the severity of the offense. This opens new doors for individuals, particularly from historically marginalized communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.

Beyond clearing records, Maryland lawmakers are advancing additional reforms, including proposals to reclassify high-volume cannabis possession as a misdemeanor and to protect off-duty medical cannabis users from employment discrimination.

Together, these efforts not only build a more equitable legal system but also strengthen Maryland’s growing cannabis economy — providing patients, entrepreneurs, and workers greater access to opportunity in a post-prohibition landscape.

Governor Moore’s expected signature will confirm Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that past cannabis convictions no longer block futures in the state’s expanding cannabis market.