Massachusetts governor to pardon "hundreds of thousands" with marijuana convictions ( www.cbsnews.com )

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced plans on Wednesday to pardon those in the state who have been convicted of simple marijuana possession. If approved by the Governor's Council, the pardons would apply to all prior adult misdemeanor convictions for marijuana possession.

"We're talking about hundreds of thousands of convictions," Healey said. "It's a sweeping, blanket pardon - all misdemeanor convictions for possession."

Healey said the pardons, if approved by the council, will be "automatic."

"People do not need to do anything," she said. "You will be pardoned and it will be cleared from your record."