Politics
Colorado Governor Pardons More People For Marijuana Convictions
Colorado’s governor has issued additional pardons for past marijuana convictions, adding to the thousands of such acts of cannabis clemency he has granted to date.
Gov. Jared Polis (D) on Wednesday pardoned 29 people—several of whom were sentenced for cannabis-related crimes.
Jonathan Carey, for example, was convicted of possessing more than 8 ounces of marijuana in 2005.
“Many people with criminal histories desire a second chance, and you have earned one,” the governor wrote in a letter to Carey.
“Since your conviction you rededicated yourself to living as a good citizen. While incarcerated, you completed a bootcamp and were resentenced to six months. After your release, you worked hard to better yourself through education. You graduated cum laude from law school in 2016 and founded the COPA Legal Clinic to provide low cost legal services. Your friends and colleagues describe you as hard working, persistent, passionate, and diligent. I hope this pardon will create even more opportunities for you and allows you to obtain licensure to continue your legal career.”
“Not everyone earns the privilege of a second chance. But you have demonstrated that you deserve one,” Polis said. “I hope you will make the most of this opportunity and treat your obligations seriously. It will require hard work and dedication to stay on the right path. But I have confidence you will move beyond these past mistakes and build a better life for yourself and your loved ones.”
Scott Dillon pleaded guilty in 1999 of attempted possession of 8 ounces or more of cannabis.
“You have worked hard to better yourself through higher education,” the governor wrote to Dillon. “You earned an associate degree in massage therapy, a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science, a master’s degree in health and sport science, and a doctoral degree in chiropractic medicine.”
“You opened your own practice to focus on sports medicine where you serve professional athletes and patients with special needs. Your family and colleagues describe you as passionate, loving, and driven. I hope this pardon will create even more opportunities for you, such as allowing you to fully participate in your children’s lives and for your ease of international travel.”
In 2006, Sabrina Flanagan pleaded guilty to possession of between 1 and 8 ounces of marijuana and possession of 1 gram or less of a controlled substance.
“You currently work as a peer support specialist and help others who are recovering from challenges such as addiction, stress, and PTSD,” Polis wrote to her. “You also founded The Mersaides Project, which helps individuals seal their criminal records.”
“Your friends and colleagues describe you as passionate, empathetic, and responsible. I hope this pardon will create even more opportunities for you, provides closure on this previous chapter of your life, and affirms the progress you have made in becoming an upstanding citizen of Colorado.”
Ernest Flowers Jr. pleaded guilty in 1997 to possession more than 8 ounces of marijuana or concentrate.
“You worked hard to better yourself through higher education, earning your bachelor’s degree in technical management,” Polis said. “You have also had a successful career as a senior IT analyst and given back to the community by volunteering with local foodbanks, leadership programs, and Colorado Springs Comic-Con.”
“Additionally, you have honorably served your country in the Air Force, receiving the Air and Space Achievement Medal. I hope this pardon will create even more opportunities for you, acknowledge your rehabilitation, and removes any stigma from your previous conviction.”
Derek Bilbrey pleaded guilty to possession of 1-8 ounces of marijuana in 2000.
“You worked hard to earn your GED, finish aircraft mechanic school, serve your country in the Coast Guard, and then earned your commercial driver’s license,” the governor wrote. “Your family describes you as hard working, motivated, loving, and a model citizen. I hope this pardon will create even more opportunities for you, and allows for a fresh start and better career prospects.”
Polis’s office said in a press release that he “continues to review all applications received before the April 3, 2026 deadline for clemency applications during his term.”
Previously, in 2020 and 2021, Polis issued mass pardons for thousands of people with prior marijuana convictions.
Last year, the governor announced a round of mass pardons for people with psilocybin-related convictions.
The action came just weeks after he signed a bill into law empowering him and future governors to issue clemency for people who’ve committed psychedelics offenses.
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Shortly after signing the legislation that now allows him to grant the pardons, Polis said the reform represents another step “towards a fairer future.”
He’s advocated for the policy change since the state legalized certain entheogenic substances in 2022.
