Cannabis

Last Prisoner Project Gets People Out of Prison for Weed

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2023

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We might have come a long way, but regardless of progress on some fronts; there’s still a lot of cannabis persecution going on. One organization is looking to fight the system, and get people out of prison for weed crimes. Read on to learn more about the Last Prisoner Project; how its working to get those incarcerated for weed out of prison; and what you can do to help.

Prison for weed

It used to be that prisons were chock full of weed smokers in the US. Yup, smoking a joint could mean sitting in lockup, and depending on who sent you (state or federal), this could mean years of time lost to life; and a multitude of problems thereafter getting jobs, housing, and a number of other basic life functions. A plant that mainly produces an intense sense of hunger and general well being, was enough to ruin a person’s life.

And it still is. In some parts of the world, you can get the death penalty, sometimes for relatively small amounts. In other parts, you’ll waste away in a prison cell; including in the US. There are way less people in prison now for cannabis, and none in federal prison for simple possession, since Biden pardoned all federal simple possession cases. But several states still hold weed as illegal for everything, and that means people sit in prison over it. In fact, this even happens in some legalized states that did not automatically release current prisoners upon passing legalization measures.

In terms of the recent pardon, it didn’t get anyone out of prison, technically, as no one was in prison for weed crimes federally; and it didn’t help those imprisoned on a state level. It didn’t stop new people from getting arrested, nor did it return the money taken in fines from those arrested previously, or stop new arrestees from having to pay fines. Though there aren’t numbers for exactly how much governments have stolen from simple possession case arrestees, we know it’s a lot; and that that part continues. In most ways, the pardon didn’t help at all.

Luckily, there are some organizations that are truly against the practice of jailing people for such crimes, and which want overall cannabis reform in the legal system. One organization has several programs set up to both push for reform, and to help get people with weed convictions, out of prison. It also provides different forms of assistance to help those hurt in all this; so they can get on with their lives in a productive way.

The Last Prisoner Project

The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a nationally run, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization geared toward criminal justice reform for cannabis; under the premise that no one should be in prison for a cannabis crime. The organization was founded in 2019, and consists of experts in drug policy, education, and criminal justice; as well as people who have been impacted by current drug policy.

The statement from the group’s homepage: “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 cannabis 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.”

Last Prisoner Project provides advocacy for prisoners

LPP partner Evidence sells products in evidence bags — Last Prisoner Project provides advocacy for prisoners

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Cannabis

A Look At Martin Luther King And Cannabis

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

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MLK shared a vision about building a fabric of society, including everyone and working together. Can this happen with the marijuana industry?

The swearing in a new president always gives hope. The cannabis industry has seen 3 presidents, none who have helped move the industry truly forward. The public has had a change of heart and now almost 90% believe it should be legal in some form. The major medical associations and federal agencies (aside from the Drug Enforcement Adminstration) believe it has medical value. And yet, our older, white politicians see it for something it is not. Thousands of mom and pop business are hoping for a change to help them on their ladder to the American dreams. And tens of millions are turning to marijuana to not only solve medical problems, but to wean themselves off the more dangerous alcohol. Here is a look at Martin Luther King and cannabis.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is widely recognized for his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality and justice. Although he did not publicly address cannabis use during his lifetime, his principles resonate deeply with contemporary discussions surrounding marijuana legalization and the broader implications of drug policy on social justice.

The prohibition of cannabis in the United States has roots in racial discrimination and social control. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized marijuana, was influenced by prejudiced attitudes towards minority communities, particularly targeting Mexican immigrants. This historical context is crucial when examining how the “War on Drugs” has disproportionately affected people of color, echoing the systemic injustices that King fought against.

Many scholars and activists argue if King were alive today, he would likely advocate for an end to the War on Drugs, recognizing it as a continuation of racial oppression. Michelle Alexander, in her influential work “The New Jim Crow,” highlights how the drug war has perpetuated cycles of racial injustice and mass incarceration. Statistics reveal that Black individuals are arrested for cannabis offenses at rates significantly higher than their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates. This disparity aligns with King’s vision of equality and justice for all.

As discussions around cannabis legalization continue to evolve, figures like Martin Luther King III emphasize the importance of equity in the cannabis industry. He advocates for creating opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in this burgeoning market. This aligns with King’s broader vision of building a “beloved community” where economic and social justice prevail.

A large portion of industry leaders who were involved in the incoming president’s campaign are hopeful. Millions of average people want it, millions more need it for medical issues, and thousands of small business owned by a variety of people want it, will this administration take the step forward?

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Our Awesome 11 Marijuana Strains To Celebrate Space Travel

Published

4 days ago

January 16, 2025

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It seems the new administration will put a bigger focus on space – here are the perfect strains to celebration the exploration.

The new admisntration is poised to encourage expanded space travel. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight conducted in 1969, and now Blue Origin, Boeing SpaceX and more are working on leaving the earth’s orbit normal. Civilians can now pay to be taking up and experience.

Not everyone can write the check, but here are our awesome 11 marijuana strains to celebrate space travel and take you out of this world.

Space Race

A hybrid strain that combines relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. It’s gaining popularity for its unique branding and powerful effects, making it a standout in the cannabis market.

Space Monkey

An indica-dominant strain (85% Indica/15% Sativa) known for its euphoric and focused effects. It features a fruity flavor profile derived from its parent strains, Gorilla Glue and Wookie #15.

Apollo 11

Celebrating the historic moon landing, this strain delivers strong cerebral effects that help alleviate stress and moderate pain.

an artist's rendering of a red planet in space

Apollo 13

This hybrid strain features energizing effects with an earthy scent, inspired by the famous space mission. Users report a euphoric experience that feels like a journey through space.

Cosmic Collision

A fusion of Cosmic Charlie and Piña Collision, this sativa strain offers pineapple-kiwi flavors and uplifting effects that enhance creativity.

Carl Sagan

Named after the famous astronomer, this strain provides balanced effects and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day of cosmic exploration.

Outer Space

A sativa known for its creative and energetic effects, Outer Space is said to make users feel uplifted and focused—ideal for those looking to explore their thoughts.

RELATED: Great Fall Whiskeys

Space Queen

This balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) is known for its euphoric high and ability to alleviate various ailments such as pain and anxiety.

Northern Lights

A classic indica strain that promotes relaxation and introspection, perfect for those looking to ponder the mysteries of space while enjoying a calming experience.

White Widow

This enduring strain provides cerebral stimulation without anxiety, suitable for contemplative moments or social gatherings under the stars.

Supernova

Known for its powerful effects and vibrant flavors, Supernova is ideal for those seeking an explosive experience that mirrors the wonders of the cosmos.

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Cannabis

Can Marijuana Cause a Miscarriage

Published

5 days ago

January 15, 2025

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There is a big buzz about the dropping of fact checking and opening the door to increased online harassment on Meta they still stomp on marijuana

Dealing with fake or hateful information online can be annoying, but for some, it is much worse. Especially for kids who are still developing their coping skills. In fact, 26.5% of teens (aged 13 to 17) reported experiencing cyberbullying within the last 30 days. This marked an increase from 16.7% in 2016. Despite the increase, Meta announced a shift towards a “community notes” model where users can flag questionable content instead of relying solely on third-party fact-checkers.

However, this change does not extend to cannabis content, which remains heavily moderated and often blocked from search results. Cannabis-related content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, remains stringent despite recent updates to its content moderation policies. The company continues to categorize cannabis content as a “high severity violation,” which places it alongside issues like terrorism and fraud.

Meta ended its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a user-driven model akin to Community Notes. Critics argue this will lead to an increase in misinformation and hate speech, as there will be less oversight on potentially harmful content. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that this change would likely result in more “bad stuff” circulating on its platforms.

And yet, the ongoing restrictions have made it difficult for cannabis advocates, news outlets, and businesses to share information or promote educational content about cannabis including medical marijuana. The American Medical Association, AARP, the Food and Drug Administration have all acknowledged the value of medical marijuana, but information on how it helps as been limited by Meta.

Many accounts related to cannabis advocacy have faced suspensions or limitations, further complicating efforts to engage with the public on legalization and reform issues. Not only as medical marijuana benefiting millions, thousands of mom and pop business are being hurt by the policy.

Meta’s policies reflect an outdated view of cannabis, lumping it together with more dangerous drugs without recognizing its legal status in many jurisdictions. This has led to accusations that Meta is missing an opportunity to support the evolving cannabis community and its businesses. Interesting their harmful cannabis policy is now in line with their hateful content policy.

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