Governor Kate Brown announced on November 21, 2022 a pardon for prior Oregon offenses of simple possession of cannabis, an act that will impact an estimated 45,000 individuals across the state and forgive more than $14,000,000 in associated fines and fees. The pardon will remove 47,144 convictions for possession of a small amount of cannabis from individual records, eliminating barriers for thousands of people seeking employment, housing, and educational opportunities who have otherwise been ineligible.
The pardon applies to electronically available Oregon convictions for possession of 1 ounce or less of cannabis, in pre-2016 cases in which the person was 21 years of age or older, where this was the only charge, and where there were no victims. This pardon does not apply to any other offense related to cannabis or other controlled substances. This pardon will not free any individuals from incarceration because currently, no one is currently incarcerated in the state of Oregon solely for the possession of one ounce or less of cannabis.
How and when will my marijuana conviction be pardoned?
Shortly after Governor Brown’s pardon order on November 21, 2022, the circuit court in the county of conviction will seal the cases with pardoned convictions, which has the effect of removing the case and conviction from your official court record. A
copy of the court order sealing your record will be available within 6-8 weeks. If you need a copy of the circuit court’s order pertaining to your case, then you may request a copy by following this link: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/marijuana-pardon.aspx
You will not be notified if your conviction has been pardoned so it’s up to you to follow up. Read some other frequently asked questions regarding the pardons.
That being said, we hope that the next administration goes even farther. We know that there are many, many Oregonians who are still struggling with the stigma and impact of felony convictions for activity that is now legal. Our hope is that the following will also be pardoned:
1. Possession (when more than an ounce) or felony Possession convictions are automatically expunged or pardoned.
2. Delivery of a Controlled Substance Charges (marijuana) when not a commercial drug offense or substantial quantity are eligible for automatic expungement or pardon.
3. Convictions for Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance- this can mean growing or processing- when not a commercial drug offense are eligible for automatic expungement or pardon.
4. Possession of a Controlled Substance or Manufacture (psilocybin) are eligible for automatic expungement or pardon.
5. That, just like Governor Brown did during this pardon, all fines and fees associated with these convictions are forgiven.