Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf speaks with the press. Citing Pennsylvania’s monstrous $71.5 billion in student debt, Governor Tom Wolf called for action on his plan to make college education an attainable goal for all Pennsylvanians. Harrisburg, PA – February 16, 2022 (File Photo from Pa Commonwealth Media Services)
By BROOKE SCHULTZ Associated Press/Report for America
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvanians with minor, nonviolent marijuana criminal convictions are eligible to be pardoned under a joint effort from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. Beginning Thursday, anyone who has been convicted of possession of marijuana or small amount of personal use will be able to apply. There is no limit for the age of conviction. Officials estimate that thousands of Pennsylvanians are eligible due to convictions over the past several decades, even pre-dating marijuana’s criminalization under federal law. The application period ends at the end of the month. Republican opponents panned the effort as Democrats caving to their political base.