Maryland Governor Wes Moore reaffirms commitment to social equity in Cannabis Legalization

Governor Wes Moore Affirms Maryland's Commitment to Social Equity and Restorative Justice in Landmark Cannabis Conference.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — In a powerful address at the annual conference of the Cannabis Regulators Association in Annapolis, Governor Wes Moore emphasized Maryland’s dedication to promoting social equity and restorative justice ahead of the launch of the new adult recreational use cannabis market on July 1. The conference brought together 200 state regulators, advocacy organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Acknowledging the historical injustices perpetuated by cannabis policies, particularly against people of color, Gov. Moore stated, “In the past, cannabis policy has been used as a cudgel to oppress, jail, and discriminate against our fellow citizens… the war on drugs didn’t just fail, it made us weaker as a nation. But now, we are writing a new chapter in the story of cannabis in America, focused on equity and economic growth. It’s time we moved away from this false choice that says we must pick an equitable or growing economy—we can, and we will, do both.”