State launches large-scale marijuana pardon project

The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons has launched a one-time, large-scale initiative to pardon people with minor, nonviolent marijuana convictions.  The Erie County Pardon Project, which has a hub location at Mercyhurst University, is available to assist Erie County residents with the application process.

The Pennsylvania Marijuana Pardon Project, which runs through the month of September, is available for individuals convicted of Possession of Marijuana (Title 35, Section, 780-113, Subsection A31) and Marijuana, Small Amount, Personal Use (Title 35, Section 780-113, Subsection A31I). These convictions must have occurred in Pennsylvania. People who have additional convictions on their record are not eligible for this initiative.

Applying is free and online, according to Dr. Maria Garase, associate professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Mercyhurst University, who is one of several individuals trained as pardon coaches to assist the local Pardon Project. 

The immediate availability of criminal records, particularly on the internet, pose obstacles to citizens who have paid their debt to society and are trying to move forward with their lives. Having a criminal record can impact one’s employment prospects, earning potential, and economic mobility. At the same time, it may also limit one’s ability to travel internationally, to serve on a jury, and even to volunteer at their child’s school. 

One solution that has gained traction in Pennsylvania, and here in Erie County, is the Pardon Project, a vehicle for helping individuals who meet certain criteria apply for a state pardon.  Garase said the local Pardon Project, organized in 2021, has worked with 45 individuals thus far; however, the full process takes upward of 18 months to two years to complete once an application has been filed.

The one-time marijuana initiative, however, is expected to have a far quicker turnaround, likely a few months, Garase said. 

“This initiative, with the streamlined application process, is really a great opportunity to clear one’s record of minor marijuana crimes, which can have major setbacks,” she said.

The application and instructions can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30. Garase is available to assist anyone who may have difficulty with the application process. She can be contacted at MuPardonProject@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-3277. 

Besides Mercyhurst, Pardon Project partners include the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, Erie County District Attorney's Office, Erie County Public Defender's Office, the Erie County Bar Association, and Gannon University as well as members of the community, elected officials, business leaders, and agencies that serve lower-income individuals.