Maryland Governor Wes Moore Announces Cannabis Pardons and Launches Major Homeownership Initiative

OG article

June 20, 2025

Executive Actions Aim to Address Systemic Inequities and Promote Racial Equity

On Thursday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore unveiled a series of transformative initiatives during a Juneteenth event, including mass pardons for cannabis possession convictions and a significant investment program to bolster homeownership in historically underserved communities. These measures are part of a broader commitment to address the systemic impacts of racial inequities, which the governor described as the “work of repair” in a recent interview with News4.

Cannabis Pardons

Governor Moore announced nearly 7,000 new pardons for misdemeanor cannabis convictions, building on last year’s clemency order that pardoned 175,000 individuals. The governor emphasized that these convictions have created unjust barriers to employment and economic mobility, disproportionately affecting communities of color. This executive action aims to remove such obstacles and foster greater equity in opportunities for affected Marylanders.

JUST Communities Program

In a landmark effort to address the racial wealth gap, Governor Moore revealed the JUST Communities program, directing over $400 million toward 419 Census tracts identified as historically underserved. These communities, which include 36 in Montgomery County and 89 in Prince George’s County, have been impacted by redlining, disruptive highway projects, high incarceration rates, or disproportionate exposure to environmental and health hazards. The program prioritizes these areas for state funding to elevate property appraisal values and expand homeownership opportunities.

The governor described the initiative as “one of the most aggressive homeownership pushes for the Black community” in Maryland’s history, emphasizing its focus on access, inclusion, and wealth creation. “This is about addressing the wealth gap head-on,” Moore stated. “Maryland is leading the nation in tackling the racial wealth disparity with bold, actionable steps.”

Context and Criticism

The announcement comes amid scrutiny over Governor Moore’s veto of a bill that would have established a commission to study the harms of slavery. In response, Moore underscored that his administration’s initiatives are designed to deliver tangible benefits to impacted communities in the present. By prioritizing economic equity and systemic reform, the governor aims to create lasting change for Marylanders.

Conclusion

Governor Moore’s dual announcements reflect a strategic approach to dismantling barriers to opportunity and building wealth in disenfranchised communities. The cannabis pardons and the JUST Communities program underscore Maryland’s commitment to addressing historical injustices through forward-looking policies. These efforts position the state as a leader in advancing racial equity and economic inclusion.