In Washington state, it is no longer criminal for adults to possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use. The Governor’s Marijuana Justice Initiative recognizes the evolution of the state’s beliefs about marijuana and provides clemency relief in some cases.
The Initiative offers an expedited process to grant pardons to people with a single misdemeanor conviction for adult marijuana possession prosecuted under Washington state law. The conviction must have occurred between January 1, 1998 and December 5, 2012, when I-502 legalized marijuana possession. Roughly 3,500 individuals statewide are eligible.
Those interested in requesting a pardon must complete the online petition form below.
Vacating multiple marijuana convictions
Individuals may now apply to vacate multiple marijuana-related convictions.
On May 13, 2019, Governor Inslee signed SB 5605, Concerning Marijuana Offense Convictions. It went into effect on July 28, 2019. Every person (21+) convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession in Washington may apply to their sentencing court to vacate each conviction.
For example, if the marijuana conviction occurred in Cowlitz County District Court, the individual will need to apply for the vacation in Cowlitz County District Court. To vacate multiple convictions, the individual must apply at each sentencing court.
Refer to Washington State Courts' about the process for vacating convictions, vacation application forms (CrRLJ 09.0100) and court directory.
What happens after I submit my petition?
The Governor’s office will confirm whether you are eligible for a pardon through the Marijuana Justice Initiative. If you are eligible for relief through the Initiative, then the governor will issue you a pardon, forgiving you for the marijuana conviction.
If you are not eligible for relief through the Marijuana Justice Initiative, consider seeking clemency through the Clemency and Pardons Board channel.
If you are granted a pardon, a copy will be provided to you, the court clerk in the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred and to Washington State Patrol.
I would like to apply for clemency and I think I qualify for it. Where can I find my case information?
If you do not know your case number or other case information, you can search for it online for free using these online resources:
- Washington Courts’ search page. Most cases will be found at this website, as misdemeanors are filed in district and municipal courts, not superior courts.
- Odyssey Portal. Use the Odyssey Portal when searching superior court records for the following courts: Asotin, Clallam, Clark, Columbia, Cowlitz, Franklin, Garfield, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, Whitman and Yakima counties' superior courts.
- Request a criminal history report. If you are unable to find your case information on the above databases, you can request a criminal history report from the Washington State Patrol for $12. This criminal history report will include case information.
Is a pardon the same as vacating or sealing my criminal conviction?
No, a pardon is not the same as vacating or sealing a criminal conviction.