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Maryland Governor Wes Moore Signs Historic Cannabis Executive Order Using LPP’s Pen to Right History

Stephen Post • Jun 17, 2024

The Same Pen LPP’s Constituents Used to Write Letters Demanding Justice for Loved Ones Suffering from Cannabis Convictions.


PRESS HERE FOR PARDON PHOTOS AND VIDEOS


Annapolis, MD (June 17, 2024) - Today, as people across the country continue to suffer consequences of cannabis criminalization even in states where it is now legal, we celebrate a historic step toward ending this hypocrisy in Maryland. Alongside justice advocacy organizations, including Last Prisoner Project (LPP), Governor Wes Moore (D-Maryland) has signed an executive order granting the largest state cannabis pardon to date. 


LPP applauds Gov. Moore and his administration’s actions to rectify racial disparities caused by cannabis prohibition, including this historic pardon that goes further than any previous cannabis clemency grant by including cannabis paraphernalia charges, in addition to possession charges. Together, more than 175,000 convictions will be pardoned.


Symbolically, Governor Moore has granted these pardons using LPP’s “Pen to Right History” – a pen that loved ones of people impacted by cannabis incarceration around the country have used to write letters to elected officials asking for justice. By using the pen, Gov. Moore joins LPP and all of their constituents in challenging other governors and leaders across the country to take up this “Pen to Right History” in their own states. 


This action follows President Biden's continued call on governors to grant cannabis clemency after he pardoned an estimated 13,000 people for simple possession. LPP has amplified this call through our Pardons to Progress campaign that has sent tens of thousands of letters to governors across the United States. Having answered the call today, Governor Moore brings Maryland forward as a champion of cannabis justice, as evident in our State of Cannabis Justice Report. 


Today marks another step toward reparative justice and to undoing the harms of the War on Drugs. These pardons will provide much needed relief for individuals looking for housing, employment, and educational opportunities. They will also help end the racial disparities caused by years of over enforcement as Black people have been arrested at twice the rate of their white counterparts in Maryland. 


Sarah Gersten, Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project said, “It has been nearly a year since Maryland passed full cannabis legalization, and at the same time that some are poised to profit off of this burgeoning industry, millions more remain burdened by the collateral consequences of a cannabis conviction. LPP is proud to be part of today’s historic announcement which is a crucial step in beginning to right the wrongs of our failed approach to cannabis policy.”


We look forward to continuing to work with the governor's office, legislature, and judicial and state agencies to ensure all records are fully expunged and no remains in prison for cannabis in Maryland. There is also more to be done at the federal level for the over 3,000 individuals, including Marylanders like Jonathan Wall, who are still serving time for victimless cannabis offenses.


You can urge the President and your governor to grant cannabis clemency by sending a letter here. To learn more about our work in Maryland, please visit: lastprisonerproject.org/maryland.


For those eligible, no action is needed to receive a pardon and you can check the status of your pardon online. For full record removal via expungement, we encourage individuals to learn more here.


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.

Last Prisoner Project Announces Its Inaugural Journey to Justice Gala Celebrating Five Years of Cannabis Justice

27 Jun, 2024
SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, September 24 at Sony Hall in New York City Presenters Include: Damian & Stephen Marley, Fab Five Freddy, M1 of Dead Prez, Jason Flom & More Performance By: Keith Shocklee of Public Enemy & Special Guests PRESS HERE FOR TICKETS & MORE INFORMATION NEW YORK, NY – June 27, 2024 – The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) will host its inaugural Journey to Justice Gala to mark the organization’s 5-Year Anniversary on Tuesday, September 24 at Sony Hall in New York City . The milestone event will celebrate the organization’s progress toward justice made for those impacted by cannabis convictions and honor the resilience and determination of the individuals, families, and communities involved in this transformative movement for freedom. The evening will honor LPP constituents who have returned home and are using their freedom to advocate for others. Presenters include Damian & Stephen Marley, Fab Five Freddy, M1 of Dead Prez, Jason Flom, and more to be announced. Additionally, Keith Shocklee, a founding member of legendary hip hop group Public Enemy , will be performing. “I am incredibly proud of the progress LPP has made in the fight for cannabis justice over the past five years, securing freedom for individuals incarcerated for cannabis offenses and reforming unjust drug laws,” said Sarah Gersten , LPP’s Executive Director . “In addition to our legal and policy work, we have directly assisted hundreds of impacted families through our reentry program, enabling them to reunite and rebuild their lives. This gala marks a pivotal moment in our journey, celebrating the progress we’ve achieved and renewing our commitment to creating a just and equitable future for all.” Along with the honorees, the evening will also acknowledge the work of the multinational law firm, Goodwin . Since June 2020, Goodwin has proudly partnered with Last Prisoner Project to contribute more than 6,000 hours of pro bono legal representation as part of our Cannabis Justice Initiative (CJI) , which seeks justice for individuals incarcerated under unduly harsh cannabis laws nationwide. CJI has resulted in reducing over 100 years of prison time for its constituents, including the early release of Andy Cox , who was serving a life sentence and who will be honored at the event. Also to be honored at the event, LPP constituent Richard DeLisi was one of the longest-serving nonviolent cannabis prisoners in United States history, serving 32 years. Since LPP helped free Richard, the DeLisi family has impacted millions of families across the globe through their cannabis brand, DeLisioso , shining a much-needed light on the family members affected by the incarceration of their loved ones and contributing resources required to free victimless cannabis prisoners across the globe. The premier sponsor for the event is HBI International, established independent and international producers of the RAW® brand of plant-based rolling papers and innovative smoking accessories. Last year, RAW contributed $100,000 to LPP’s reentry grant program which has generated profound impacts on individuals who have recently been released from incarceration on cannabis-related charges. We are grateful for them doubling their impact with their sponsorship. LPP Board Member, Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala of Dead Prez , said, “To have an organization like Last Prisoner Project helping people get the facts about existing cannabis injustices and doing this work of storytelling to put a human face to the stats; it’s powerful. I could be anywhere on the frontlines of the revolution, but I believe this is the front to fight because the hypocrisy is clear. We must celebrate the freedom we have won to energize our fight moving forward.” All proceeds from the evening will go directly to LPP’s legal, policy, and reentry services to ensure the longevity and sustainability of these programs. We are grateful for the support of our initial sponsors RAW, Goodwin, Delisioso, and Edie Parker, who have helped make this night and our work possible. For more details, ticketing information, or to view sponsorship packages visit Last Prisoner Project Gala . 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. Follow Last Prisoner Project: Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Facebook For Media Inquiries: Linda Carbone & Katie Leggett PRESS HERE linda@presshereproductions.com | katie@pressherepublicity.com

President Biden Pardons LGBTQ+ Veterans, Including Them In Expanded Cannabis Clemency Could Broaden Impact

By Stephen Post • 26 Jun, 2024
Just in time to close out #PrideMonth, President Biden has announced a monumental step in recognizing and addressing historical injustices against LGBTQ+ service members. The President has granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons to thousands of LGBTQ+ former service members who were convicted under former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for consensual, private conduct. This marks a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and a move towards rectifying the discrimination faced by these brave individuals who served our nation with honor. For six decades, being gay in the military was not just a matter of discrimination—it was illegal. Thousands of veterans were not only discharged because of their sexual orientation but also faced court-martials and prison sentences. This treatment left many with criminal records, impacting their access to housing, education, employment, and other vital public services. The burdens placed on these individuals were immense and unjust. President Biden's proclamation aims to lift these burdens permanently. By pardoning those convicted of unaggravated offenses based on consensual, private conduct between adults, the President is affording these veterans a chance to reclaim their lives without the stigma of a criminal record. This action will provide them with better access to essential services and opportunities that many of us take for granted. The administration is also encouraging these pardoned veterans to apply for an upgrade of their military discharge, further ensuring that their service is honored and their records are corrected. The significance of this action extends beyond the immediate impact on LGBTQ+ former service members. It brings to light the broader issue of incarceration rates among marginalized groups. LGBTQ+ individuals are three times as likely to be incarcerated compared to the general population, and veterans are twice as likely. These statistics underscore the systemic challenges faced by these communities and the need for continued advocacy and reform. In addition to addressing past injustices within the military, there is a pressing need to extend clemency efforts to other areas, such as cannabis-related convictions. Many people, including LGBTQ+ individuals and veterans, have been disproportionately affected by harsh cannabis laws. Granting clemency for cannabis-related offenses is a logical next step in rectifying policies that have led to unnecessary and harmful incarceration. President Biden's pardons are a hopeful sign of progress and a testament to the power of advocacy and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community and among veterans. However, this should be seen as a beginning rather than an end. We must continue to push for comprehensive reforms that address all forms of unjust criminalization and support clemency initiatives that recognize the dignity and humanity of all individuals. It is common sense to grant relief to people convicted of things that never should’ve been criminalized in the first place As we celebrate this significant milestone, let us remain committed to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. President Biden's actions remind us that while progress can be slow, it is possible. We must continue to advocate for those who have been wrongfully criminalized and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. #HappyPride #CannabisClemency #LGBTQ+Rights #VeteransJustice Read the full statement from The White House here . Then read more about the intersection of cannabis justice and LGBTQ+ rights by reading coverage in Washington Blade by LPP Communications Manager, Stephen Post.

David Lopez: Fighting for Freedom and Family Against Injustice

By Elijah Mercer • 25 Jun, 2024
Fight for Freedom David Lopez, a 64-year-old from El Paso, Texas, finds himself entangled in the complexities of the legal system. On June 2, 2017, he was handed a severe sentence of 293 months (over 24 years) in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and a $50,000 fine. His charges included conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. David is currently incarcerated at FCI La Tuna, a federal correctional institution in Anthony, NM, with his expected release date set for March 19, 2036. An Unfair Trial David's sentence was influenced by a grave error that misrepresented his past. The prosecutor referenced a state conviction from 20 years prior, falsely claiming David had been charged with possession of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. In truth, the conviction was only for 35 grams. Unfortunately, David's attorney did not contest this incorrect information, leading to an unjustly harsh sentence as the court perceived him to be a major drug dealer. In February 2023, the Western District Court of El Paso, Texas, recognized this mistake, ruling that the amount should have been stated as 35 grams. However, despite this correction, David remains imprisoned under the original 24-year sentence. Had the accurate information been presented initially, his sentence would likely have been much shorter, potentially around five years. A Life of Resilience David's time in prison has not diminished his spirit. He has shown remarkable resilience and dedication to self-improvement, earning nine letters of support from Bureau of Prisons Correctional staff, who vouch for his character and potential as a contributing member of society if released. This unprecedented level of support underscores David's positive influence even while incarcerated. David’s wife, Terry, and their three daughters have stood by him throughout this ordeal. Married since October 15, 1980, Terry is ready to write a heartfelt letter for his clemency petition. Their daughter, a breast cancer survivor, still undergoes regular medical tests, adding urgency to the call for David’s release. The Role of the Last Prisoner Project David's situation highlights the urgent need for criminal justice reform, especially regarding marijuana-related offenses. His case gains particular relevance in light of recent national developments. While President Biden has commuted the sentences of individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses and pardoned thousands of others for simple cannabis possession, there is still more work to be done. Case in point: no individuals still incarcerated for cannabis offenses were included, highlighting the need for continued advocacy. David's prolonged imprisonment not only lacks justification but also represents a significant misuse of public resources. Texas is still a state that disproportionately enforces the War on Drugs, and also the state with the most LPP constituents sentenced. Thus, David’s case exemplifies the necessity for a more humane and rational approach to drug policy enforcement. Join the Movement In response, Last Prisoner Project is launching the #FreeDavidLopez campaign to urge President Biden to release David Lopez. Public support is crucial to amplify this effort. We encourage everyone to write, call, and email state and federal offices, advocating for David Lopez's release to rectify this grave injustice. Achieving justice for individuals like David Lopez requires collective effort. You can write to President Biden to urge him to free David Lopez.
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