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.”
According to the site, in the past two decades, 15.7 million people were arrested for marijuana crimes; although it does not specify how many of them ended up in prison. Many would have been forced to pay fines, but wouldn’t have seen the inside of a cell. Some would be federal arrests, and some by the states. It goes on to give the statistic that $47 billion has been spent by the US government to fight a losing war on drugs.
The Last Prisoner Project works on four levels to effect change. On the policy front; the organization works to support and further legislation for cannabis reform. On the legal front; the group works to get clemency for prisoners on both the federal and state level. To do this, it works with the Cannabis Justice Initiative and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
On the re-entry front; the group focuses on helping those who have been negatively impacted by the system, to rebuild their lives through financial help, and other tools and resources. And finally, on the advocacy front; the group works to raise public knowledge of the situation, and to empower supporters to get involved.
Last Prisoner Project provides advocacy for prisoners
How you can get involved with LPP
Last Prisoner Project is all about getting a community together to fight for reform, and this means you can be a part of it too. The organization encourages this in different ways. Like its How to Take Action program to get prisoners released. This includes writing to governors to push for pardons; a letter writing program to send well wishes to those sitting in prison; petitions to the federal government for law changes; petitions for release; and sharing social media graphics to raise awareness. Check the website for more information if you want to pitch in.
The group also has a Partners for Freedom volunteer program, in which participants can connect with like-minded supporters, work on different projects, and gain an education on the entire matter. Those in this program receive recognition from LPP staff; on the organization’s website, at events, and in other publications.
If you run a cannabis enterprise, you can also get involved through that. There’s the Roll It Up For Justice program, which encourages cannabis operations throughout the US to set up donation programs for shoppers at checkout, to aid in LPP’s work. LPP also has the Budtenders Program, in which budtenders can sign up to be advocates; and receive updates on local events and outreach opportunities.
The LPP partners with many operators in the cannabis field, both big and small. Some of its partners are Dutchie, Pharmacann, Ascend Wellness, Trulieve, Cannacraft, GrowHealthy, and a particular favorite of mine, Evidence. The organization is supported by tons of companies overall within the weed industry, which are also pushing for cannabis reform.
What is Evidence?
How do companies that partner with LPP help the cause? They can do this in different ways, and sometimes its just about raising funds and awareness. As an example of this, here’s a little information on a company that not only works to help, but does so in an extremely creative way; that gets to the very heart of the issue.
Evidence is a company looking to help get people out of prison for weed. According to the company’s site, about 40,000 people currently sit in prison because of weed offenses. As per the site, “As cannabis professionals it’s our duty to work to reverse this injustice.” And they’re doing it in quite an interesting way.
LPP partner Evidence sells products in evidence bags
So, how does the company help? It bought a prison; but not to put anyone in it. Instead, this former prison is used to both cultivate weed, and manufacture products; the very things that got so many people incarcerated in the first place. Incidentally, the products it sells, are in none other than police evidence bags. The company donates $1 from each evidence bag sold, to support the Last Prisoner Project.
What exactly does the company sell? Evidence bags come with different goodies. Buyers can purchase a ½ ounce bag, which comes with Vibes rolling papers, along with a Last Prisoner Project matchbook. Or Evidence Prison Shortys, a bottle containing five pre-rolled joints equaling 3.5 grams (an eighth). If you’re not into lighting up, Evidence also provides Evidence Vapes, a one gram THC cartridge, with 90% potency.
As a legal cannabis company, Evidence does not provide a sales platform to buy directly. But it does hook up interested buyers with listings of where they can find the products. Interested buyers should visit the site to see where they can purchase Evidence bags in their area. When buying from a company like Evidence, you are automatically helping; as the donation to LPP is part of the price.
Conclusion
The job of ending prohibition, and getting people out of prison for weed crimes, is a large undertaking. And it can’t be done by a single person. LPP seeks to get people together and combine strength, in an effort to rid the US of cannabis prohibition laws; and to help those who have lost their freedom, time, and rights; because of unnecessary imprisonments. If you’ve got a little time and want to help, get in on it; LPP makes it easy for us all to be fighters in the cause.
Welcome cannabis aficionados! We’re glad you’re here with us at Cannadelics.com; an independent rag in the cannabis and hallucinogen spaces, covering the most interesting stories of today. Join us when possible to get your updates; and get yourself subscribed to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, to stay on top of all the news.
Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.
From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs. What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things. But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.
For instance, products sourced from China now face cumulative tariffs as high as 45%, including a 10% increase imposed in February 2025. Similarly, imports from Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs. These measures have particularly affected items like vape cartridges, batteries, and specialized packaging materials, which are difficult to source domestically at competitive prices. As a result, many cannabis companies are passing these increased costs down the supply chain to consumer
The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.
Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.
Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.
Packaging regulations in many states exacerbate the situation by requiring child-resistant designs, further limiting affordable domestic alternatives. Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.
The ongoing trade tensions show no signs of easing under Trump’s administration, leaving cannabis businesses with little choice but to adapt quickly. Strategies such as diversifying suppliers, investing in automation, and innovating with local materials may help companies weather the storm. However, without significant policy shifts or financial support mechanisms, the industry faces a challenging road ahead.
There is a buzz about sore throats today. While they are most common in colder months, spring allergies bring the pain also. This is often due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus from the nose and sinuses drains down the back of the throat, causing irritation and a scratchy feeling. Overuse of the voice, like talking loudly or singing for long periods, can tire out and strain the muscles in your throat, causing them to feel sore. The good news is cannabis can help a sore throat.
For those seeking natural alternatives to manage cold symptoms, cannabis is emerging as a promising option for throat irritation. Increasing research at medical center specifically targeting sore throats shows early insights. The data suggests cannabinoids and terpenes could offer symptom relief through their unique properties.
Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images
Cannabis contains compounds like THC and CBD, which studies indicate possess anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce throat swelling and irritation. Terpenes such as eucalyptol—found in some strains—are traditionally associated with decongestant effects, potentially easing respiratory discomfort. These components work synergistically to calm inflamed tissues, though their direct impact on sore throats requires further clinical validation.
Smoking cannabis while ill remains controversial due to potential throat irritation from heat and smoke. Instead, experts recommend gentler options:
Edibles/lozenges: THC or CBD-infused products bypass inhalation, delivering localized relief without aggravating the throat.
Cannabis tea: Warm beverages with cannabis extracts may soothe scratchy throats while providing hydration.
Beyond direct throat relief, cannabis may improve overall wellness during illness. THC’s appetite-stimulating properties can combat reduced hunger, while its relaxing effects might promote restorative sleep. CBD’s muscle-relaxing qualities could help alleviate the body aches often accompanying colds.
While preliminary findings are encouraging, users should consult healthcare providers before combining cannabis with conventional cold medications due to potential interactions. Starting with low-dose CBD products may offer benefits without psychoactive effects. As legalization expands, more targeted research is expected to clarify cannabis’s role in respiratory health.
Innovative cannabis formulations—from throat-calming lozenges to anti-inflammatory teas—are redefining how we approach minor ailments. For those navigating cold season, these plant-based solutions present a compelling fusion of traditional herbal wisdom and modern cannabinoid science
Part of the cannabis industry supported the new president, betting he was going to move and move quickly on cannabis – the White House finally commented.
The cannabis industry has been a boon for consumers, medical patients, veterans and legal states, but for the thousands of mom and pop businesses is has been a roller coaster. With a huge demand, it would seem to be easy money, but the federal, tax, and banking restrictions have made it difficult to grow and expand. Part of the industry were all for the new administration assuming they would support positive change, but many in the new cabinet and the House Speaker Mike Johnson are foes. Now the White House finally comments on marijuana industry…and it doesn’t show a clear path.
The administration’s current stance on marijuana reform is marked by inaction, despite campaign promises and earlier signals of support for cannabis-related reforms. A White House official recently confirmed that “no action is being considered at this time” regarding marijuana policy, leaving advocates and industry stakeholders uncertain about the administration’s priorities.
During his campaign, the resident expressed support for rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing restrictions on medical use and enabling cannabis businesses to access banking and tax benefits. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to advance this initiative. A DEA hearing on rescheduling, initially planned for January 2025, was postponed due to procedural appeals and remains unscheduled.
The president has also voiced support for state autonomy in cannabis policy and endorsed state-level legalization initiatives, such as Florida’s failed 2024 ballot measure for recreational marijuana. While this reflects a more favorable stance compared to his first term, his administration has yet to prioritize federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act, which would facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses. Efforts to include such measures in a government funding bill late last year were unsuccessful.
The delay in federal action has significant implications for the cannabis industry. Rescheduling marijuana could alleviate financial burdens by eliminating restrictions under IRS Code Section 280E and promoting medical research. However, the stalled process leaves businesses navigating regulatory uncertainties and limited financial access.
While stakeholders continue lobbying for reform, the administration appears focused on other priorities such as immigration and foreign policy. Advocates hope the President will leverage his influence to advance cannabis reform, but for now, the issue remains sidelined. Until then the industry struggles and waits.