KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has issued the first pardon under his Mayoral Marijuana Pardon Program to Mr. Dwayne Wright of Overland Park, Kansas. Mayor Lucas announced the creation of this program for non-violent, low-level municipal marijuana and paraphernalia offenses during his State of the City Address earlier this year. Mayor Lucas announced this pardon when he and Mr. Wright sat down for an exclusive interview with KSHB-TV. “A lot of people, like Mr. Wright, who get caught up in the system spend the rest of their lives trying to climb out,” said Mayor Lucas. “Our Marijuana Pardon Program is one important step in our work to build a more equitable community, and to help ensure the past doesn’t follow people into their future. Dwayne Wright is a good man working hard to make his family’s life better, and I’m proud to clear one obstacle on his journey forward.”

“Mr. Wright lives in Overland Park, but received a municipal marijuana conviction in Kansas City,” continued Mayor Lucas. “Now—no matter what job or housing he applies for, in or outside of Kansas City—he knows this conviction has been pardoned. This serves as an important reminder that inequities do not stop at city, county, or state lines, and we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable region. I hope mayors in our metro and country will build on this program in their communities.”

Public opinion and laws surrounding marijuana usage have changed dramatically in recent years: in 2017, Kansas City voters decided by a 75/25 percent margin to decriminalize possession of 35 grams or less of marijuana, imposing instead a $25 fine; and in 2018, Missourians voted to amend the State Constitution to permit the use of medical marijuana and its regulated growth. Still, Black Americans are nearly four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession despite roughly equal usage rates, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Marijuana Pardon Program is one of many steps Mayor Lucas has taken to decriminalize marijuana. Last month, the City Council passed his ordinance to remove possession or control of marijuana as a violationof the City Code of Ordinances.

Anyone with a municipal marijuana or paraphernalia conviction in Kansas City interested in this program can apply for a pardon on KCMO.gov.