The Last Prisoner Project’s State of Cannabis Justice Report highlights sobering realities

The Last Prisoner Project has highlighted some frightening realities despite recent promises and moves at the federal level to loosen laws surrounding cannabis prohibition.

A year after President Joe Biden promised to expunge certain cannabis convictions for minor convictions, Last Prisoner Project released its report on the state of cannabis justice last week. Despite promises being made, has anyone actually been released from prison?

On October 6, 2022, Biden announced historic steps to advance the end of cannabis prohibition in the country by pardoning over 6,500 individuals for minor cannabis offenses. And while it was a small step in the right direction, “no one was actually released from prison,” Last Prisoner Project announced.

Additionally, President Biden initiated a review of the classification of cannabis to downgrade it from Schedule I to Schedule III. But unless cannabis is completely removed from the program, it would not release any of the roughly 3,000 people still incarcerated federally for cannabis.

“Justice will be achieved not through mere legalization, but through eliminating the harm caused by cannabis prohibition,” the report’s announcement said. “24 states have enacted cannabis-specific records release laws, and 10 states have enacted cannabis-specific resentencing laws. Our report allows the public to compare, contrast and learn more about each state’s efforts to mitigate the consequences of cannabis convictions.”

Although it has been a year since Biden’s promise, there has been little change in cannabis laws in the US

“As we mark the first anniversary of President Biden’s cannabis proclamation, Last Prisoner Project reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of justice, justice and compassion,” the announcement continued. “We remain committed to ending the harmful legacy.” “To dismantle the war on drugs and ensure that those affected by cannabis prohibition are not forgotten.”

What you can do

There are several ways LPP gives volunteers tools to make small but impactful actions to make a difference in the lives of people affected by the war on drugs.

As it turns out, most people incarcerated for cannabis are convicted at the state level. That’s why LPP wants volunteers to send thousands of letters from the public calling on their governors to pardon cannabis as part of our Pardons to Progress campaign.

Through its Pen to Right History campaign, LPP is also elevating the voices of specific people harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. This includes people like Richeda Ashmeade, whose father is serving a 22-year prison sentence for cannabis. LPP praises President Biden’s moves so far, but also wants to urge the president to “correct history by granting broad cannabis pardons – something he could do with the stroke of a pen.”

LPP focuses on three key criminal justice reform initiatives: prisoner release, cannabis record release, and reentry assistance.

Arrests continue to happen

Mutulu Olugbala, also known as M-1, of Dead Prez, was appointed to the board of directors of LPP and appeared in collaboration with LPP last March.

He pointed out that people need to see the bigger picture. “It is clear to see that the US mass incarceration agenda is still a priority,” M-1 told High Times last June. “This is glaring due to changing public perception and the recent decriminalization of cannabis. These contradictions reveal the extent of injustice in this country as the undeniable power of plant medicine continues to grow.”

According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, state and local law enforcement agencies reported 170,856 arrests for cannabis possession in 2021, a slight decrease from over 226,000 in 2020.

There are many examples of lives ruined by the federal ban on cannabis, but some progress has been made. Some progress has been made. Richard DeLisi served 32 years of a 99-year sentence for a nonviolent crime. He was released from prison on December 8, 2020. But during his time in prison, DeLisi’s wife and other family members died. His daughter was paralyzed and he missed many memories. He was released from prison in Florida at age 71, making him the longest-serving nonviolent cannabis prisoner in the United States. People like DeLisi probably deserve more than anyone to be an early part of the legalization of cannabis.

Another example is California cannabis inmate Luke Scarmazzo, who was released from prison on February 3rd. “Today I was granted my freedom after spending almost 15 years in prison for running a cannabis dispensary,” Scarmazzo wrote on his Facebook page. “The feeling is surreal. We have been working towards this day for so long. This was a huge victory for my family, friends, community and the entire cannabis movement. I’ll take a moment to enjoy this, but make no mistake, there is still work to be done – my people need to be free – and that hard work starts now.