Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg. Photo: Waldteufel – Fotolia

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, in an appearance with Gov. Tom Wolf on Oct. 2, said he would ask the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to expedite applications for pardons from those with low-level marijuana convictions.

The move—which is projected by the Wolf administration to affect thousands of Pennsylvanians—followed the release of Fetterman's report on his statewide cannabis listening tour. The pardons could open the door for access to jobs, housing and education for persons previously classified as ex-offenders.

Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Secretary Brandon Flood announced an expedited process for persons who have nonviolent, low-level marijuana possession or paraphernalia possession convictions.

"I want to emphasize that while we cut down on the red tape for pardons, these cases are not being rubber stamped," Wolf said. "I read each recommended case individually and weigh the decision carefully. I factor in the effect a pardon will have on past victims and the likelihood to reoffend. But I also weigh the consequences of people continuing to carry a record when they have turned their lives around. By allowing more cases to be heard through the pardons process, we are treating people like individual human beings. It's the right thing to do."

Fetterman urged Pennsylvanians to apply for marijuana-related pardons.

"Anyone with a marijuana-related, nonviolent possession or paraphernalia charge is encouraged to apply for a pardon, for free, and have his or her application expedited," Fetterman said. "Given the favorable sentiment to legalizing marijuana, there's no reason records of this nature should continue to hinder people from living their most productive lives."

The expedited pardons process comes amid an announcement earlier this year to waive the BOP fee to apply for a pardon as another means of making applying more accessible.