"Massachusetts Governor's Sweeping Pardons for Marijuana Convictions"

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey plans to pardon hundreds of thousands of individuals with prior misdemeanor convictions for simple marijuana possession, following President Biden's lead in pardoning such convictions. The pardons, if approved by the Governor's Council, will be automatic and aim to remove barriers to housing and employment, particularly for communities of color disproportionately affected by marijuana-related arrests. The move is seen as a significant step in criminal justice reform and promoting racial equity in the state.