To promote equity and reparative justice, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore pardoned cannabis-related criminal offenders and launched a landmark homeownership program for residents. 

The announcement of the two significant initiatives occurred on Thursday during a local Juneteenth celebration, when Moore detailed the plans, according to reports.  

“We know the racial wealth gap affects all of us. It hurts our economy; it restrains job growth, and it limits our potential as a state,” said Gov. Moore in a news release. “If you want a growing economy, you have to make sure it is an inclusive one. We cannot afford to simply ‘meet’ about the situation before us and delay progress—we need action. Together, we are going to continue the work of repair with action that delivers results.”

Under the JUST Communities program, 419 Census tracts will receive special consideration when competing for state funding. Alongside the homeownership program, Moore pointed out that he was motivated to take action due to the gross injustices people of color have faced in the prosecution of cannabis-related offenses. 

Around 7,000 people who were convicted of misdemeanor cannabis possession were pardoned as part of his announcement, which was also made at a Juneteenth event. This expands upon Moore's June 2024 clemency order, which fully pardoned over 175,000 individuals for comparable offenses. According to Moore, the pardons are intended to remove obstacles that have unjustly prevented people from accessing housing and employment opportunities.

In an interview with NBC4, Moore stated, "What we're doing today is about the work of repair." It has to do with access. It has to do with inclusivity. It also has to do with money.

Moore placed more emphasis on the need to act quickly to implement solutions than on further research into issues that have been known for a long time. The announcement aligns with his administration's broader equity agenda, which has included initiatives to support minority-owned enterprises and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the state.