LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe is defending his plans to pardon his son for a 2003 marijuana conviction, saying he’s receiving the same type of second chance hundreds of other nonviolent offenders have had.

Beebe appeared Tuesday on his monthly call-in show on the Arkansas Educational Television Network. He said he’s not going to treat his son any better or any worse than others who have sought pardons during his administration.

Beebe last week said his next round of intended pardons, due in December, would include one for his son Kyle, who was convicted in 2003 of felony marijuana possession with intent to deliver.

Beebe, a Democrat, is leaving office in January due to term limits. He’s being succeeded by Republican Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson.