Oregon Governor Kate Brown to Pardon 47,144 People with Marijuana Possession Convictions

11/30/2022

@oregongovbrown will pardon 47,144 people with marijuana possession convictions. She will also forgive $14 million in related fines.

The pardons benefit those convicted of ‘simple possession’ with an ounce or less of marijuana. There are other specifics that apply as well, including that the person must have been 21 years of age or older at the time of the conviction, and there must not have been other charges or victims.

The Governor’s announcement comes a month after President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people convicted of ‘simple possession’ under federal law and urged governors to do the same at the state level.

Gov. Brown stated, “Oregonians should never face housing insecurity, employment barriers, and educational obstacles as a result of doing something that is now completely legal, and has been for years.”

In a country where Black and Brown individuals are convicted of marijuana related crimes and incarcerated at a much higher rate than white individuals, these pardons are a step in the right direction.

What should happen next?

#news #legalizeit #govkatebrown #oregon #publicmedia #share #support #blackownedbusiness #bipoc