Washington D.C., April 19 – The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) orchestrated a week-long advocacy effort in the nation’s capital, culminating in the 420 Unity Day of Action. This initiative, the largest bipartisan cannabis advocacy event to date, aimed to push for federal legalization and provide relief for individuals still incarcerated for cannabis offenses.
The Urgency of Reform
Imagine sitting in a cell for years, decades, or even for life, convicted of an activity that is no longer a crime. Meanwhile, thousands of others build intergenerational wealth by engaging in the same activity. This stark reality faces tens of thousands of drug war prisoners in the United States alone, while countless others languish in jails and prisons worldwide.
The Last Prisoner Project’s Singular Mission
The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has one singular mission: to set these prisoners free. Through legal intervention, constituent support, advocacy campaigns, and policy change, LPP aims to release every last drug war prisoner and repair the harms caused by this discriminatory and counterproductive crusade.
Advocacy in Action
Over the past several days, LPP mobilized the largest coalition of bipartisan cannabis advocates, industry leaders, grassroots organizations, and individual activists to convene in Washington D.C. Advocates were joined by elected officials who have been at the forefront of the fight for cannabis reform. Notable figures included:
- Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon)
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon)
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts)
These leaders addressed the press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol, urging their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end the hypocrisy of cannabis criminalization. They emphasized the need for meaningful cannabis reform, equal justice, and reparative measures.
Legislative Calls to Action
Advocates called on lawmakers to co-sponsor key pieces of legislation, including:
- The MORE Act: A bill that would federally legalize cannabis.
- The States Rights Act: Aimed at removing criminal penalties.
- The Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act (CAOA): Soon to be re-introduced.
- The HOPE Act: Introduced in the Senate, providing funding for state-level expungement programs.
Candlelight Vigil at the White House
Capping off 48 hours of lobbying and activism, formerly incarcerated LPP constituents and families of those still incarcerated gathered for a candlelight vigil in front of the White House. The vigil honored all those harmed by cannabis criminalization, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
The Time for Action Is Now
As the cannabis industry evolves, so must our policies. Cannabis justice is racial justice, economic justice, and reparative justice. The time to act is now, and LPP remains committed to its mission: to set every last drug war prisoner free and pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
