Recently, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf and Lieutenant Governor Fetterman announced a new initiative that expedites the pardon process for marijuana-related convictions. The details about the new initiative are still being worked out, but from what we understand, getting a pardon for marijuana-related convictions under this new process will be much faster than the pardon process for other types of offenses. Additionally, even if your marijuana conviction was recent, you are encouraged to apply now. To read more, see the Board of Pardons website.
Who can get an expedited pardon?
Many misdemeanor and felony drug convictions are eligible, if the drug involved in the offense was marijuana. If individuals have any other violent convictions on their record or any convictions for driving under the influence of marijuana they are NOT eligible for an expedited pardon.
Some common marijuana-related convictions that may be eligible include possession of marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia offenses, criminal conspiracy related to a marijuana conviction, and possession with intent to deliver.
When can I apply for an expedited pardon?
Typically, we encourage people to apply for pardons after 5-10 years have passed since their conviction. However, under the new expedited process, the Board of Pardons has said there will be less emphasis on how recent the conviction is, and more emphasis on how a pardon would improve quality of life.
How do I apply for an expedited pardon?
The new pardon process for marijuana-related convictions is similar to the typical pardon process. The first step is to apply by downloading the application online or requesting an application by mail. You can find instructions on how to do that here.
When you get to the section of the application that asks you to list the charges that you're seeking a pardon for, you should indicate that marijuana was the drug involved in your conviction. Often, when you are convicted of a drug-related offense, your court docket doesn't specify which drug it was for. You should indicate that the charge(s) is marijuana-related by writing "marijuana" in parentheses next to the charge. You will also still need to collect the required court documents that are outlined on the pardon application.
How long will the expedited pardon process take?
Normally, the pardon process can take up to 4-5 years. Part of what takes so long is that applicants have to wait for an interview and undergo a background investigation by a state parole agent. Under the new expedited pardon process, applicants will not undergo that process. The Board of Pardons predicts this will cut the process down to 6-12 months.
Tell us your story.
If you've ever experienced negative outcomes due to a marijuana-related conviction, we'd like to hear from you. Please share your story using the submission form. We will not share your story without speaking to you first.