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Gov. Wolf starts process to pardon lower-level marijuana convictions
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2022/09/01/pennsylvania-governor-tom-wolf-starts-process-pardon-lower-level-marijuana-convictions-john-fetterman/stories/202209010141
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvanians with minor, nonviolent marijuana criminal convictions could be pardoned beginning Thursday in a period until the end of the month under a joint effort from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.
The so-called “one-time, large-scale pardon effort” will allow anyone who has been convicted of possession of marijuana or small amount of personal use to apply. There is no limit for the age of conviction. The application is free, and entirely online. Officials estimate that thousands of Pennsylvanians are eligible due to convictions over the past several decades.
“It’s a good example of Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. Fetterman doing everything they can from the executive office on this issue,” said Chris Goldstein, NORML’s Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware regional organizer. “This is, as much as they can do, it’s still really limited.”
Last year, he said, 13,000 people who were arrested for marijuana use could potentially benefit from this pardon effort.
“This one month window, I hope this works, but there could be hundreds of thousands of people that apply,” he said.
The window for the pardon effort is limited by Gov. Wolf’s remaining tenure. Having Sept. 30 as the cut off date allows the applications to be reviewed at the Board of Pardon’s October meeting.
The so-called “one-time, large-scale pardon effort” will allow anyone who has been convicted of possession of marijuana or small amount of personal use to apply. There is no limit for the age of conviction. The application is free, and entirely online. Officials estimate that thousands of Pennsylvanians are eligible due to convictions over the past several decades.
“It’s a good example of Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. Fetterman doing everything they can from the executive office on this issue,” said Chris Goldstein, NORML’s Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware regional organizer. “This is, as much as they can do, it’s still really limited.”
Last year, he said, 13,000 people who were arrested for marijuana use could potentially benefit from this pardon effort.
“This one month window, I hope this works, but there could be hundreds of thousands of people that apply,” he said.
The window for the pardon effort is limited by Gov. Wolf’s remaining tenure. Having Sept. 30 as the cut off date allows the applications to be reviewed at the Board of Pardon’s October meeting.
FURTHER INFO ...
To apply for a pardon from Gov. Tom Wolf:
(link) https://www.pa.gov/guides/mj-pardon/
