CHANGE IS COMING
FIGHTING CRIMINAL INJUSTICE AND REIMAGINING DRUG POLICY
Imagine sitting in a cell for years, decades, or even for life, convicted of an activity that is no longer a crime, while thousands of other people build intergenerational wealth doing exactly the same thing.
That is the situation that tens of thousands of drug war prisoners face today in the United States alone, while countless others languish in jails and prisons worldwide.
The Last Prisoner Project has one singular mission: to set them free.
HOW WE HELP
The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to reforming our criminal justice system through progressive drug policy.
Through legal intervention, constituent support, advocacy campaigns, and policy change we aim to release every last drug war prisoner, as well as to repair the harms of this discriminatory and counterproductive crusade.
THE PROBLEM
BY THE NUMBERS
15.7
MILLION
MILLION
Number people arrested for marijuana offenses over the past two decades.
$47
BILLION
BILLION
Annual expenditures for the United States "War on Drugs".
10.4
BILLION
BILLION
U.S. legal cannabis market size in 2022
LATEST FROM OUR BLOG
Statement from Frank Stiefel Senior Policy Associate Last Prisoner Project Hawai’i Senate Passes Bill to Provide Retroactive Relief for Those Criminalized for Cannabis Possession April 9, 2024 House Bill 1595 (HB 1595), which would create a pilot for the creation of a state-initiated expungement process for individuals with non-conviction records for cannabis possession, has been voted out of the Senate and moves one step closer to Governor Green’s desk. In 2019, the Hawai’i legislature decriminalized the simple possession of cannabis. However, to this day, thousands of individuals in Hawai’i still carry a criminal record for cannabis possession . National research shows that less than 6.5% of people who are already eligible for an expungement ever have their records expunged because of the cumbersome nature of the record clearance process. When an individual has a criminal record for cannabis, the collateral consequences linger for a lifetime without access to expungement. Criminal records restrict individuals from employment, housing, political participation, public assistance, education, and a myriad of other services. These restrictions hinder the well-being and safety of entire communities, particularly communities of color who have been systematically targeted by law enforcement during cannabis prohibition. Over the past year, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has been working with Representative David Tarnas, Chair of the Hawai'i State House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to figure out relief pathways for those criminalized during cannabis prohibition. Our work with Representative Tarnas led to him introducing HB 1595 at the start of this year, which would begin to address the injustices perpetrated during the War on Drugs through the creation of a state-initiated expungement process for individuals with a criminal record for cannabis possession. On March 1st, Representative Tarnas invited LPP to participate in an informational briefing on the importance of cannabis record clearance . During the briefing, we gave a presentation on the landscape of cannabis record clearance and how HB 1595 could begin to dismantle the racial injustices that the criminal legal system has perpetuated during prohibition in Hawai’i. The Hawai'i Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) also participated in the briefing and presented data showing that approximately 40,000 of the 50,000 criminal records that are eligible under HB 1595 are for non-convictions. This means that 40,000 individuals have been found not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, yet they still carry a criminal record for cannabis possession. Since the briefing on March 1st, HB 1595 has been amended to reflect the preferred approach of the Department of the Attorney General. The bill now outlines the creation of a pilot for the implementation of a state-initiated expungement process for non-conviction records of cannabis possession. Our hope is that HB 1595 will be a blueprint for how Hawai’i can begin to provide retroactive relief to the thousands of individuals who continue to suffer the consequences of having a criminal record for cannabis possession, an offense that has been decriminalized since 2019. There are now 24 states that have passed laws to create cannabis-specific expungement processes. Similarly, the inclusion of criminal justice policies has become commonplace for states that have sought to legalize adult-use cannabis. Since 2018, 13 of the 14 states that have legalized cannabis have included record clearance policies, and since 2021, they have all been state-initiated. We look forward to continuing to work with legislators in Hawai’i to create systems that can provide retroactive relief for the thousands of individuals who have been criminalized during prohibition. About Last Prisoner Project The Last Prisoner Project, 501(c)(3), is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on the intersection of cannabis and criminal justice reform. Through policy campaigns, direct intervention, and advocacy, LPP’s team of policy experts works to redress the past and continuing harms of unjust cannabis laws. We are committed to offering our technical expertise to ensure a successful and justice-informed pathway to cannabis legalization in Hawai'i.
Lucky Brand’s Highest Quality Capsule Collection, features cannabis-inspired styles made with elevated techniques, exemplifying the casual cool and culturally relevant lifestyle of laid-back comfort. Together with cannabis-advocate and entrepreneur Lola Langusta, the brand’s campaign highlights stories of the progression of cannabis perception in society by showcasing a variety of personal perspectives – from criminalization to culture to agriculture. The campaign was shot on location in New York City and upstate New York. The Highest Quality capsule features three unique perspectives on the ways cannabis impacts culture today. The Culturista: Lola Langusta Lola Langusta is a creative director and visionary who launched her company Stoned Fox, a creative studio and production company in cannabis, plant wellness, and lifestyle in 2016. Lola works with ethical and sustainable brands to assist with bringing awareness to healing ourselves naturally and the responsibility we all share collectively to help heal our planet. The Farmers: Hudson Cannabis Founded by women, owned by farmers, and powered by regenerative agriculture, Hudson Cannabis is going one step further with regenerative agriculture. Their farm provides a holistic approach to producing top-tier, biodiverse cannabis that’s grown intentionally in the sunlight, in the soil with the plant and planet in mind. The Activist: Donte West Donte West is a decriminalization and anti-incarceration advocate whose experience with the criminal justice system changed his life forever. With no criminal record, and nothing illegal in his possession, Donte was arrested and convicted on charges that were later overturned. Released after three years in October 2020, he now works with Last Prisoner Project to help free anyone incarcerated on cannabis-related charges. “Lucky Brand has always been at the forefront of driving cultural conversations since 1990 and we are excited to give our collaborators a platform to express themselves on luckybrand.com and on our social channels. Rooted in denim, Americana and self expression, our brand is for the free-thinkers and the optimists who don’t take life too seriously,” says Michael DeLellis, EVP Head of Marketing from Lucky Brand & SPARC Group. The collection will be live on April 4th on LuckyBrand.com and $10 from every Highest Quality item sold in April 2024 will be donated to Last Prisoner Project with a commitment from the brand up to $10,000. Additionally, Lucky’s social post(s) will direct the audience to help support the mission of LPP by participating in the Letter writing program . About Lucky Brand: WEAR LUCKY. FEEL LUCKY. Lucky Brand was founded in 1990 with a spirit of reinvention. Rooted in premium denim, Americana and self-expression, our brand is for the free-thinkers and the optimists who don't take life too seriously. Our denim and lifestyle wares portray personality through perfectly imperfect, often American heritage inspired details that bring levity to any look, or situation. Wear Lucky and make good fortune. Feel lucky, and you’ll find it. Shop Lucky Brand in freestanding store locations across North America, select department stores and on luckybrand.com. About The Last Prisoner Project: The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. LPP works to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy and policy change. Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news Governor Youngkin has vetoed our cannabis sentence modification bill, SB 696. Under the bill, thousands of individuals charged for cannabis offenses under outdated laws would have had their sentences reevaluated in light of legalization. Instead, the Governor’s veto message not only ignored the intention of this bill but, more importantly, ignored the plight of thousands of families across the Commonwealth whose lives have been permanently altered by prohibitionist laws repealed three years ago! Virginia may have ended cannabis prohibition in 2021, but there remains a significant injustice for those individuals who continue to be incarcerated for offenses that are no longer considered illegal. According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, the average cost of housing an individual in custody is $33,994. Furthermore, as of 2023, Virginia has generated over $8 million in tax dollars from medical marijuana according to the US Census Bureau. Thus, SB 696 represents a critical step towards rectifying this injustice by allowing for the modification of sentences for individuals convicted of cannabis-related offenses. But the fight is not over. We still have an opportunity to let the people speak and encourage Virginia lawmakers to override this veto. It is important that you write to your state representative and senator to support SB 696 by voting to override Gov. Youngkin's veto and ensure justice for Virginians harmed by cannabis convictions. By joining the effort to override the veto and make SB 696 law, you have the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and ensure that hundreds of Virginians with cannabis offenses have their sentences either reduced or vacated completely. This bill is not just about correcting legal inconsistencies; it is about improving public safety by providing individuals with the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. Thank you to Marijuana Justice Virginia, Nolef Turns, the Virginia NAACP, NORML, the Virginia Student Power Network, The New Majority Virginia, Rise for Youth, and all the members of the CannaJustice Coalition for all of your hard work and dedication to ensure justice. We must continue until no one remains in prison for cannabis. Send a letter today!
Date and time: Wednesday, March 27 · 12 - 1pm PDT Location: 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza Oakland, CA 94612 Primary Press Contact: Amber Senter, Executive Director of Supernova Women amber@supernovawomen.com Supernova Women alongside Last Prisoner Project , Drug Policy Alliance , and the California cannabis and California justice communities will hold a press conference at Oakland City Hall 12pm PST, to call on the federal government to decriminalize and deschedule cannabis. They will be joined by celebrity advocate Rosario Dawson. The call to action is being held in solidarity with the bi-partisan Unity Day of Action for comprehensive cannabis legalization occurring in Washington D.C. on April 18th. At the press conference, Supernova Women, Last Prisoner Project and Drug Policy Alliance will launch their sign-on letter from California cannabis stakeholders and justice advocates to President Biden calling for him to “support the descheduling of marijuana from the CSA and to take action to ensure that the federal government begins the work that California and now so many other states have started -- to acknowledge, end and address the harms of criminalization and to shift the federal government towards a federal framework that better promotes public health, public safety, equity and the will of the American people.” California stakeholders who support marijuana federal decriminalization are invited to sign-on to this petition . “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has suggested moving cannabis to Schedule 3, but this half-measure still perpetuates injustice, especially in Black and Brown communities.” Said Amber Senter, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Supernova Women. “It's time for complete descheduling to end the disastrous era of cannabis criminalization.” Despite 24 states and the District of Columbia having moved forward with adult-use cannabis laws, Congress has failed to send the President a comprehensive cannabis bill. The MORE act has passed the house twice led by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Earl Bluemnaur. The Senate however has yet to vote on a comprehensive reform package. “Both Congress and the Biden Administration have an opportunity and responsibility to take immediate and comprehensive action to end our country’s failed approach to marijuana and right it wrongs. In order to end federal marijuana criminalization, marijuana must be descheduled – removed entirely from the Controlled Substances Act,” said Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation at the Drug Policy Alliance. “From the streets of Oakland to the halls of Congress and the front gates of the White House, the people are demanding the full legalization of cannabis and the release of all cannabis prisoners.” Said Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Last Prisoner Project. “This issue is the most popular and bi-partisan issue in American politics. 70% of Americans support legalization, and we look forward to reminding the President of this fact, his campaign promises, and of our power to hold him accountable.” Scheduled speakers include: Amber Senter, Supernova Women Jason Ortiz, Last Prisoner Project Cat Packer, Drug Policy Alliance Rosario Dawson Julia Arroyo, Young Women's Freedom Center Evelyn LaChapelle, The Weed Lady Ross Gordon, National Craft Cannabis Coalition Jehan Laner, Immigrant Legal Resource Center Etienne Fontain, Veterans Action Council Ellen Komp, California NORML Chaney Turner, Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission More information about the event can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/yc27k64t ABOUT SUPERNOVA WOMEN Founded by Black and Brown women in 2015, Supernova Women is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to empower Black and Brown people to become self-sufficient shareholders in the cannabis and natural plant medicine space through education, advocacy, and network building. ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT The Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change. Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more. ABOUT THE DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE The Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization in the U.S. working to end the drug war, repair its harms, and build a non-punitive, equitable, and regulated drug market. We envision a world that embraces the full humanity of people, regardless of their relationship to drugs. We advocate that the regulation of drugs be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements and at every policy level, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. Learn more at drugpolicy.org .
