Massachusetts Gov. Healey floats blanket marijuana pardons: 'Justice requires it'

Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey on Wednesday floated granting a mass pardon for misdemeanor marijuana convictions in the state.

Roughly half of U.S. states have legalized recreational marijuana while several more permit its use for medical purposes. It remains illegal at the federal level, though President Joe Biden last December announced a mass pardon for persons convicted of marijuana use or possession on federal property.

"The reason we do this is simple: Justice requires it," she said in a press conference, Politico reported.

"President Biden urged governors to take action in their own states. And once again, Massachusetts is leading the nation as the first state in this country to answer that call," state Attorney General Andrea Campbell said of the effort.

Healey's pardons will first need support from the Governor's council, though a majority of its members have expressed support for them.

"We're taking this nation-leading action as part of our commitment to using the clemency process to advance fairness and equity in our criminal justice system," Healey also said, per 7 News Boston. "We're grateful for President Biden's leadership on this at the federal level and proud to answer his call to take action in the states."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.