New Program Helps Those with Cannabis-Related Offenses Enter Workforce

 Posted on July 05, 2024 in Drug Crimes

The governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, recently announced he would be launching a program that will help those with cannabis-related criminal offenses enter the workforce.  Known as the Cannabis Workforce Development Program, this is the first initiative of its type. The program comes on the heels of more than 175,000 pardons by Moore for those with marijuana convictions.

The goal of this program is twofold—to help those with a marijuana conviction on their record find a job and to create pathways to cannabis industry jobs. Those who choose to participate in the plan will have access to courses taught by licensed operators, college professors, and industry experts.

The courses, while led by instructors, are self-paced, allowing participants to learn independently. Included are 100 hours of virtual coursework, instruction, and eligibility for the intensive occupational two-day course. Interested parties can apply for the program beginning on July 1, 2024.  

Even though Maryland has legalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana for adults, it is still considered a controlled substance. If you are facing marijuana charges, you could benefit from speaking to a North Baltimore County drug charge attorney from Baltimore Legal Services. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side throughout who will work for the best possible outcome is essential when you are facing criminal drug charges.

Marijuana Charges and Penalties in Maryland

Since Maryland legalized small amounts of cannabis possession and use for adults over the age of 21 on July 1, 2023, the law now defines possession amounts as either "personal use" or "civil use."

• Personal use possession includes cannabis products containing up to 750 mg strength delta-9, THC amounts of cannabis up to 1.5 ounces, up to two cannabis plants, and up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis.
• Civil use possession is a misdemeanor, involving more than the personal use amount but less than 2.5 ounces of cannabis, cannabis products containing more than the personal use amount but less than 1250 mg., more than the personal use amount of concentrated cannabis but less than 20 grams, and more than two cannabis plants. The penalty for violating the civil use possession law is a $250 fine.

What Consequences Can a Marijuana Conviction Have Beyond Jail?

The consequences of a marijuana criminal conviction do not end when the term of incarceration ends. There are a multitude of collateral consequences that those who have served their time for a marijuana conviction face daily. One of the most severe consequences has to do with employment restrictions.

Most people who receive jail time for a marijuana conviction lose their current jobs, and once they are released, they may have difficulty finding employers who will hire them. Virtually all prospective employers conduct background checks during the hiring process. A drug conviction can significantly decrease your employment opportunities.

A marijuana conviction could cause you to lose a professional license, or you may be unable to obtain a professional license that you have studied and worked for. Finding a place to live can be difficult once you have a drug conviction on your record. Landlords conduct background checks, and even though your conviction was "just" for a marijuana offense, you could potentially be turned down for a rental.

Federal law places restrictions on those with drug-related convictions, including an inability to obtain a student loan for college and denial of public housing and food assistance benefits. Non-legal immigrants charged with a marijuana offense could find themselves facing deportation.  

Even those with permanent resident status could lose their legal status and face removal from the country. The right to vote could be denied in some cases, as well as the right to own a firearm. The long-term consequences of a marijuana conviction can be almost as serious as a jail sentence and could benefit from the Governor’s new initiative.

Contact a Hartford County, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing drug charges, even if they are "only" marijuana charges, you need to speak to an experienced Northern Baltimore County, MD criminal defense attorney from Baltimore Legal Services. While you may not believe the charges are serious enough to warrant an attorney’s intervention, you should rethink that. When a skilled attorney advocates for your rights, you are much more likely to have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether. Call Baltimore Legal Services today at 858-523-8423 to set up a free consultation.