For years, a few crumbs of cannabis played an outsized role in shaping Shiloh Jordan’s life. However, with a stroke of a pen by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Jordan looks forward to putting that behind him, along with tens of thousands of other Marylanders who have been pardoned for misdemeanor marijuana convictions.
The Burden of a Minor Charge
Jordan, now 32, recalls an incident from his early 20s that dramatically altered his life’s trajectory. He was pulled over in Howard County, Maryland, for not wearing a seatbelt on his way home from work as a custodian at a nursing home. The officer claimed to smell marijuana and, using a piece of tape, found cannabis crumbs on the floor of his vehicle. “She was just like, ‘Yep, you’re going to jail,’” Jordan recalled. “I’m like what? Are you serious?”
He didn’t think much of the minor charge at first—until his second day at a new job when he was let go because a background check had uncovered his misdemeanor conviction. It was disheartening and made him reflect on the myriad challenges facing young people growing up in poverty, all the obstacles that so often stand in the way of them staying on the straight and narrow.
“I felt defeated,” he said. “I was just trying to, you know, do the right thing.”
Overcoming Adversity
Despite this setback, Jordan refused to be defined by his past. He participated in a job readiness program, went back to school, and played football in college. He now works as an outreach coordinator at the Center for Urban Families in Baltimore, a nonprofit focused on helping families pull themselves out of poverty.
A Historic Change in Cannabis Policy
Governor Moore’s executive order comes in the wake of significant federal and state-level shifts in cannabis policy. Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced a historic step toward easing federal restrictions on cannabis. In Maryland, recreational cannabis was legalized in 2023 after voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2022 with 67% of the vote. Maryland decriminalized possession of personal use amounts of cannabis on January 1, 2023. Now, 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana.
A Shift in Perspective
“This is about changing how both government and society view those who have been walled off from opportunity because of broken and uneven policies,” Moore, a Democrat, said during Monday’s announcement.
Governor Moore’s sweeping pardon is a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and providing individuals like Jordan with a fresh start. By removing the burden of past convictions, this initiative aims to open doors to opportunity and promote a more equitable society.
Moving Forward
For Shiloh Jordan and the tens of thousands of Marylanders affected by these pardons, the future looks brighter. Jordan’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of second chances. As Maryland and other states continue to reform cannabis laws, the hope is that more individuals will be freed from the shadows of their past, allowing them to fully contribute to their communities and pursue their dreams.
Governor Wes Moore’s actions this week mark a pivotal moment in Maryland’s journey towards justice and equality. It’s a new dawn for many, bringing with it the promise of renewed opportunity and hope for a better future.
Local Recommendation
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