In the closing days of his administration, Governor Peter Shumlin is inviting Vermonters to apply for pardons if they were convicted of possessing up to an ounce of marijuana.
Vermont’s governor cites legislative action in 2013 to decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana in announcing his intention to allow people convicted prior to the change in the law to apply for a pardon.
Applications will be taken atthe governor’s website through Christmas Day.
Shumlin said in a statement, “It makes no sense that minor marijuana convictions should tarnish the lives of Vermonters indefinitely.” Each application will be considered individually, and there is no guarantee of a pardon. If granted, a pardon would essentially wipe the offense off a person’s criminal record.