The legendary cannabis advocate Eddy Lepp dies in 1952-2021

Another iconic cannabis community, Charles Edward “Eddy” Lepp, has died after battling cancer.

Lepp’s wife Sandra Castaneda published the tragic news on Facebook on August 16.

On June 6th, Eddy posted one of his last health updates on Instagram at @OG_EddyLepp. “Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve said something, so I thought I’d do a little update. I have bone cancer now. And it’s pretty rampant from my chest to my toes. And we have to change therapies to win this battle. But um, I have at least a couple of three months and maybe a couple of years, so get them cards and letters, keep buying this art … I love you all and thank you so much for giving me a reason to live. “Since the news of his death became known, thousands of fans have left notes in his memory.

Lepp served in the US Army’s military intelligence service from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam War and shortly thereafter became a lifelong fighter for cannabis rights.

Eddy Lepp: A true cannabis crusader

One of the industry’s greatest advocates, Lepp left his mark as one of many who suffered in prison trying to grow medical cannabis and give patients access. He owned and operated Eddy’s Medicinal Gardens and the Multi-Denominational Chapel of Cannabis and Rastafari, which were raided by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials on August 18, 2004 – the 17th anniversary of which is only days away.

At the time, it was considered one of the largest cannabis companies of its time, supplying up to 1,000 medical cannabis patients. The operation was valued at $ 130 million, and it took DEA agents two days to confiscate about 32,500 plants growing on Lepp’s property in Upper Lake, California.

According to an article in the High Times in our October / November 2004 issue, Lepp grew cannabis with support for Proposition 215, which was passed by California voters in November 1996. Patients donated $ 500 for each plant they grew (a maximum of six). “We’re not going to take money on marijuana. Every penny of that $ 500 is used specifically to care for the plant, ”Lepp told High Times.

On the day of the raid, 14 “residents and volunteers” were taken into custody, but only Lepp was arrested. He was eventually charged with federal cannabis possession with “intent to distribute, conspire and start a marijuana manufacturing business”.

“I’m not doing anything illegal. If the federal government has a problem with California law, they should bring the state of California to justice, not me. I face life imprisonment for obeying the law, ”he said. Lepp fought hard in court, pleading not guilty and stating that not only was he growing legally under state law, but he was also a practicing Rastafarian.

Unfortunately, the defense wasn’t enough. Lepp was sentenced to 10 years in prison in September 2009 at the age of 56. Presiding US District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel even seemed reluctant to suggest that Lepp should be tried under the law. “I think this time investment is excessive, but it’s not up to me,” she said in court. He eventually spent eight and a half years in prison before he was released.

In memory of its size

In 2017, Lepp received a Lifetime Achievement Award from High Times for not only running one of the “greatest marijuana gardens of all time,” but continuously fighting for his right to grow the plant and for the right of other people to consume it .

In addition to being an active cannabis pioneer and activist, Lepp was known for his work as a multidisciplinary creator as a writer, poet, and artist. Not to the surprise of those who knew him, his creations featured colorful depictions of cannabis plants in full bloom, as well as large-format joints and other cannabis-related elements, many of which were achieved by the introduction of layers of. Brought to another level of wonder were colorful glitter. You can view his work through the Facebook page, which was created directly to showcase his art, while prints and other merchandise adorned with his colorful designs are sold through an online shop.

Lepp has been a respected member of our community, a friend to medical cannabis patients everywhere, a creator, and overall an inspiration that we will sorely miss.