Jun 27, 2024 - Politics

DeWine doesn't plan to issue marijuana pardons

Tyler Buchanan

Photo illustration of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine with lines radiating from him. — Photo illustration: Allie Carl/Axios. Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Gov. Mike DeWine has no immediate plans to grant mass pardons for Ohioans with minor-level marijuana offenses as other governors have done, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Pardons have been issued as a form of criminal justice reform in some states with legalized recreational marijuana, but they can be controversial.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore recently pardoned more than 175,000 marijuana convictions, saying this "must go hand-in-hand" with the rollout of that state's recreational market.

Driving the news: DeWine doesn't plan to issue blanket pardons as recreational sales begin, spokesperson Dan Tierney told Axios, but the administration is monitoring possible action taken by state lawmakers.

State of play: Ohio now lets those of age to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in most forms.

Lawmakers have proposed various bills that allow past convictions on minor possession charges to be expunged, but none have reached the governor's desk for a signature.
"That impacts their employment opportunities," Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) told WCMH-TV in April. "It impacts housing and obviously higher education as well."

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DeWine doesn't plan to issue marijuana pardons

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