By BRIAN FERRY
bferry@timesobserver.com
The deadline to apply for a pardon from a minor marijuana-related conviction is today.
Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman set up the one-time, expedited PA Marijuana Pardon Project through pa.gov/mjpardons.
As of Wednesday, “more than 2,500 people have applied for marijuana pardons since the project launched on Sept. 1,” Wolf said in a release.
“Pennsylvanians have a unique opportunity to be quickly pardoned from minor marijuana-related convictions… and time is running out for those interested in applying,” Wolf said.
“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 Pennsylvania, we believe in second chances – I’m urging those eligible to apply now, don’t miss your chance to forge a new path.”
“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 how long the legislature will continue refusing common sense legalization.”
Two offenses — possession of marijuana and marijuana, small amount personal use — are eligible. Those who were convicted of either or both of those, and nothing else, are eligible. There is no limit to the age of the conviction.
Those seeking pardons must go to pa.gov/mjpardons, and go through the application process. Those who submit applications will be contacted if additional information is needed.
“While a pardon constitutes complete forgiveness, those whose pardons are granted will still need to petition the court for an expungement of the conviction from their record,” Wolf said.
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