1,600 Apply For Marijuana Pardons In PA Via Gov. Wolf's New Program

PENNSYLVANIA — More than 1,600 applications have been submitted for a special marijuana pardons program in Pennsylvania that aims to given certain convicted individuals a clean slate.

The PA Marijuana Pardon Project, organized by Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, allows the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to accept pardon applications from those with minor, non-violent convictions.

The deadline for the applications is Sept. 30.

“This is an opportunity for individuals who are seeking to move forward with their lives to get a second chance,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement. “I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply today.”

The state believes thousands of individuals are eligible for convictions over the past several decades.

Pennsylvanians convicted on either or both of two charges — possession of marijuana and marijuana, small amount personal use — are eligible for the new pardons. There is no limit for the age of the conviction.

Several pieces of sweeping legislation have been proposed in both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature in recent years, laying out a framework for marijuana legalization that supporters say would both reignite the economy and overturn wasteful, unjust prison sentences. The Republican-led chambers have not moved the bills forward, however.

“If you’re living your best life, I believe in a fresh start. Imagine not being able to volunteer at your kid’s school because of some stupid weed charge 20 years ago,” Lt. Gov. Fetterman added in a statement. “The governor and I strongly believe in second chances.”

Online applications for the pardon project are available online here.

Those ineligible for a pardon through this project can still apply for clemency using a standard application.