More than 2,500 Pennsylvanians with minor, nonviolent marijuana criminal convictions have applied for a pardon under a new program launched by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman this month.
And the deadline to apply to the Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project, a one-time, large-scale pardon effort through the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, is Friday. Applying is free and available online.
Officials estimate that thousands of people are eligible to apply for a pardon for decades-old convictions.
“Pennsylvanians convicted of simple marijuana charges are automatically disqualified for so many life opportunities: jobs, education, housing, special moments with family. This is wrong,” Wolf said in a statement on Wednesday. “In Pennsylvania, we believe in second chances. I’m urging those eligible to apply now. Don’t miss your chance to forge a new path.”
Anyone with a conviction for possession of marijuana or a small amount for personal use to apply is eligible to apply. There is no age requirement. While a pardon grants complete forgiveness, those pardoned will still need to petition the court for an expungement of the conviction from their record.
People ineligible to apply due to an additional criminal conviction may apply for clemency using a standard application.
“Good people are being held back from living their best lives because of some old nonviolent weed charge,” Fetterman said. “Now is the time to apply because we have no idea…