Meet Richard DeLisi – The Longest Actively Serving Nonviolent Prisoner in the United States for Cannabis

Mariah Daly • June 29, 2020

Richard DeLisi is a 71 year old man serving a 90-year sentence in Florida at the South Bay Correctional Facility (SBCF) for marijuana. Richard has no history of violence and has been in prison since 1989 – 31 years.


In 1988, Richard was caught as part of a reverse-sting/entrapment operation for trafficking cannabis into the State of Florida. Richard and his brother, Ted DeLisi, were both charged for cannabis trafficking and sentenced to a total of 98 years in prison. (Ted DeLisi was released from prison in 2013.)


Although the crime he was sentenced for carried a guideline of 12-17 years, Richard received what amounts to 3 life sentences for a plant which has been deemed “essential” by many state governments during the pandemic and is now socially accepted and legal in many countries all over the world. Florida, a state notorious for harsh drug sentences, has since made cannabis legal for medicinal use. According to recent data, two-thirds of Americans believe that adult-use marijuana should be legalized. A poll by the University of North Florida reveals that 64 percent of Floridians now support adult-use marijuana.


Due to good behavior and good time credit, Richard’s release date is currently set for August 26, 2022. However, that day may never come for Richard. His age coupled with several underlying chronic conditions makes Richard particularly susceptible to the coronavirus, and SBCF has already become a hotspot for the virus. At SBCF, 280 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and one inmate has died according to data published by the Florida DOC. Additionally, 62 staff members have tested positive -- the highest number for any facility in the state of Florida. To date, a total of 1,826 COVID tests have been issued and over 100 inmates still have not been tested at Richard’s facility.


According to statistics provided by the Florida DOC, SBCF houses 1,948 inmates with room for only 2 more inmates -- meaning it is currently operating dangerously close to official “max capacity.” Though SBCF is not operating over max capacity, as many facilities in the US consistently do, the population size undoubtedly endangers both inmates and staff amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The conditions of confinement make precautionary measures like social distancing impossible, and mass incarceration has left prisons and jails highly susceptible to an outbreak given overcrowding, lack of resources, and little access to medical care. If Richard did contract the virus, (a seemingly inevitable outcome of currently being housed at SBCF) he is unlikely to receive adequate medical attention since the facility itself is overwhelmed, and the only area hospital is now out of ICU beds.


Even if lawmakers and elected officials aren’t swayed by the injustice of Richard’s potential death sentence, there is also a strong economic argument for his release and the release of elderly inmates who are most at risk of contracting the virus. According to inmate expense reports provided by the Florida DOC, health care for inmates costs the state $20,367 per year per inmate, but inmates over 50 year old can cost as much as $70,000 a year. Overall, Florida’s state prison population increased by 11-fold between 1970 and 2014 with a $1.1 billion increase in corrections expenditures and Florida’s elderly prison population has increased at a faster rate than any other age group over the past 10 years.


According to the DOC’s per inmate calculations by age, it has cost taxpayers up to $1,673,670.00 to keep 71-year-old Richard DeLisi incarcerated for his nonviolent marijuana offense, and if he lives to serve out the remainder of his sentence without release, the total cost to Florida taxpayers of keeping Richard in prison for the entirety of his sentence will be over $1.8 million dollars.


Since Richard has exhausted all other legal remedies, his fate is now in the hands of Governor DeSantis to grant executive clemency. Richard’s family has successfully launched a petition to DeSantis, urging him to free Richard. The petition has gathered over 2,700 signatures and many supporters note the injustice of keeping Richard incarcerated and the waste of state resources and taxpayer dollars. With widespread support for legalization and the burgeoning of the legal cannabis industry in Florida it seems that DeSantis’s constituents would agree that no nonviolent cannabis offender should face a death sentence.


To learn more about Richard's case and how YOU can get involved to advocate for Richard's release go to https://freedelisi.com/.

By Stephen Post April 22, 2025
At the Last Prisoner Project (LPP), we know that true justice means more than legalization—it means clearing the records of those who were criminalized under outdated cannabis laws. Today, we celebrate a major step forward in that fight for justice as Governor Wes Moore signs SB 432, the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 , into law. In Maryland, where Governor Wes Moore made history last year by issuing the nation’s most sweeping cannabis pardon order, we are now happy to see this next step in reform. A criminal record—whether for a conviction or even just an arrest—can create lasting obstacles to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities. The impact is not just personal; according to research from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, the U.S. economy loses between $78 and $87 billion annually due to employment barriers faced by people with criminal records. These collateral consequences compound the injustices of the War on Drugs and disproportionately affect communities already marginalized by systemic inequities. SB 432 simplifies the expungement process, removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and making it easier for individuals to clear their records. The bill will help thousands of Marylanders—many of whom have already served their sentences—access new opportunities and contribute fully to their communities. “People in Maryland were living with the unconscionable reality that any probation violation, from a missed appointment to even decades-old possession of small amounts of now legal cannabis, categorically barred them from ever expunging their record,” said Heather Warnken, Executive Director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore School of Law . “The Expungement Reform Act has addressed this and more, removing barriers to opportunity for thousands held back by their past record. Like Governor Moore’s historic mass pardon, this victory is the product of true partnership, and an incredible step forward for our state.” SB 432 builds on the momentum of Governor Moore’s bold action in 2024, when he issued the largest cannabis pardon order in U.S. history, granting relief to over 175,000 Marylanders with low-level cannabis convictions . However, as we have long emphasized, a pardon—while powerful—does not automatically clear someone’s record. Until now, many of those same individuals still had to navigate a complicated, costly, and often inaccessible process to obtain full relief. Now, thanks to the passage of SB 432, that process will become significantly more accessible—and, in key cases, automatic. This is a vital step toward making sure the promise of cannabis reform includes real, tangible outcomes for those most affected by prohibition. “At Last Prisoner Project, our mission is to secure freedom and rebuild the lives of those disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs,” said Liz Budnitz, Lead Counsel of the Cannabis Justice Initiative at Last Prisoner Project , who was present at the signing ceremony. “SB 432 embodies the idea that legalization must come with justice and repair for those who paid the price for misguided drug policies. We are proud to support reforms like this bill and look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that prioritize the full reintegration of justice-impacted individuals.” Adrian Rocha, LPP’s Policy Director and a member of Governor Moore’s expungement roundtable , added, "Last Prisoner Project commends Governor Wes Moore for signing SB 432, the Expungement Reform Act of 2025, into law. By creating a more efficient and accessible pathway for individuals to expunge cannabis-related convictions and seek post-conviction relief, this bill is a crucial step in addressing the harms caused by decades of cannabis criminalization in Maryland. We are thrilled that more Marylanders will now be able to move forward with their lives, access new opportunities, and contribute fully to their communities.” Maryland now joins 12 other states that have implemented state-initiated expungement for certain offenses, recognizing that individuals should not be required to navigate complex legal systems to obtain relief they are already entitled to. This victory represents not just a legislative achievement, but a powerful moment of healing and restoration. We thank Governor Moore, the Maryland General Assembly, and all our partners and advocates who helped make this bill a reality. But our work is far from over. Cannabis justice means full, automatic relief—not just in Maryland, but across the country. And at the Last Prisoner Project, we’re committed to making that vision real. Watch the full bill signing below and read past coverage here .
By Stephen Post April 18, 2025
Proposed Legislation Marks a Critical Step Toward Ending Criminalization and Repairing Harms from the War on Drugs Washington, D.C. – Today, the Last Prisoner Project released a statement applauding the introduction of two bipartisan bills aimed at ending federal cannabis prohibition and preparing for a post-prohibition regulatory framework. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH) and Dina Titus (D-NV) announced on Thursday that they’ve filed the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) 2.0 Act. This bill would end federal marijuana prohibition in states that have legalized it, while providing for a basic federal regulatory framework for cannabis products. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) also introduced the Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (PREPARE) Act , which is being sponsored by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). This bill would direct the attorney general to create a commission charged with making recommendations on a regulatory system for cannabis that models what’s currently in place for alcohol. “These bipartisan bills are a critical step forward toward ending the federal government’s failed war on cannabis,” said Stephen Post, Strategic Communications Manager at the Last Prisoner Project . “By respecting the will of states, addressing regulatory uncertainty, and acknowledging the urgent need for reform, this legislation lays the groundwork for a smarter, fairer approach to cannabis policy. Going forward, we also urge lawmakers to ensure that federal cannabis legislation also include robust provisions for sentence modification, automatic record clearance and retroactive relief. Otherwise, we risk building this industry on the backs of those still suffering the consequences of outdated, unjust laws.” The Last Prisoner Project urges lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support these measures and continue working toward a more just and equitable post-prohibition future. The Cannabis Unity Coalition, the largest bipartisan coalition of cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, is mobilizing for the Cannabis Unity Week of Action, taking place April 29th - May 1st, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This multi-day event will unite advocates, impacted individuals, and industry leaders to pressure Congress and the Trump administration to fully legalize cannabis and implement retroactive relief measures for those affected by prohibition-era policies. Click here to learn more .
By Stephen Post April 17, 2025
Thursday, April 17th (Washington D.C.) - As Americans across the country celebrate the 4/20 cannabis holiday this weekend, tens of thousands of people remain incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses, licensed cannabis businesses are struggling, community uplift funds are stalled, and the federal government's cannabis reclassification process is in limbo. Despite significant progress in cannabis legalization, with 24 states and Washington, D.C. legalizing adult-use cannabis, the fight for full legalization and retroactive relief is more urgent than ever. To mobilize the 70% of the public that supports legalization into political pressure, the Cannabis Unity Coalition, the largest bipartisan coalition of cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, is mobilizing for the Cannabis Unity Week of Action , taking place April 29th - May 1st, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This multi-day event will unite advocates, impacted individuals, and industry leaders to pressure Congress and the Trump administration to fully legalize cannabis and implement retroactive relief measures for those affected by prohibition-era policies. The week will start on Tuesday with a congressional press conference in the morning followed by a welcome ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center starting at 2pm. Wednesday will be dedicated to our Lobby Day where attendees will meet with their elected officials on Capitol Hill to advocate for cannabis reform. Lastly, events will conclude Thursday evening with a Cannabis Freedom Rally outside the White House from 4-9pm to honor those still incarcerated for cannabis and demand their freedom via presidential clemency. As part of our 4/20 clemency campaign , Ben & Jerry’s will be joining the rally to serve free ice cream to help build awareness and mobilize grassroots efforts to demand clemency from governors across the country. The Cannabis Unity Coalition is made up of a broad array of advocate groups span across political boundaries and includes members of the Marijuana Justice Coalition (MJC) like Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Veterans Cannabis Coalition, and Parabola Center; members of the Cannabis Freedom Alliance (CFA) like the Reason Foundation and Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP); Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), which is a member of both coalitions; and industry groups like, National Craft Cannabis Coalition, National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), Asian Cannabis Roundtable, and National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL), Freedom Grow, Marijuana Justice, Doctors for Drug Policy Reform, United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Supernova Women, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, DCMJ, Just Leadership USA (JLUSA), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Coalition for Drug Legalization and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), Mission Green, Latinas in Cannabis, the Equity Trade Network, Cannademix, and Free My Weed Man. “False conservatives and cheerleaders for big government have, for decades, hidden behind the drug war as a justification for a government that’s so intrusive it can monitor whether peaceful people have a few grams of cannabis in their pocket.” Said Geoffrey Lawrence of the REASON foundation . “The PATRIOT Act equates marijuana users with terrorists and erects a massive surveillance state to spy on the financial transactions of every American, whether or not they smoke marijuana. And for what? Marijuana users are not inherently violent criminals and the federal government should have no role in the criminalization of this natural substance.” "Working people deserve a better deal when it comes to criminal justice reform, specifically in Cannabis," said Hugh Giordano, UFCW Labor Union Representative . "Working people can't afford legal costs when dealing the Cannabis offenses, which can lead to unfair sentencing and harm working communities." "Regardless of which party is in control of Congress and the White House, ending federal marijuana criminalization and repairing harms caused by it remains a top priority for the Drug Policy Alliance. As long as marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, communities of color and low-income people will continue to suffer the most through incarceration, family separation, and economic hardship due to marijuana arrests.” Said Maritza Perez, Director of Federal Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “With federal marijuana legalization enjoying majority support across all political affiliations, efforts like the Cannabis Unity Week of Action that bring together groups from a variety of political ideologies should show Congress and the White House that ending federal marijuana prohibition is an issue everyone can get behind." Bill Levers, CEO of Freedom Grow, said, “Unity Day 2025 represents a long-overdue collective awakening. At Freedom Grow, we’ve dedicated years to uplifting the voices and lives of people still serving time for cannabis convictions—people forgotten by the system while the industry thrives. This day in Washington D.C. is about more than policy—it’s about people. It’s about showing lawmakers, and the nation, that there’s a unified, unstoppable force demanding not just the descheduling of cannabis, but true retroactive justice. When we stand united with all other prisoner outreach programs, we send a clear message: cannabis freedom isn’t freedom until it includes everyone—especially those who paid the highest price.” "The legal cannabis industry proudly provides adult consumers and medical patients with safe, lab-tested, high-quality products while supporting hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and generating billions in tax revenue. Despite this progress, outdated federal prohibition policies continue to jeopardize public safety by preventing the legal industry from reaching its full potential to displace the illicit marijuana market — even as a supermajority of voters support federal reform.” Said Aaron Smith, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Industry Association . “We look forward to once again participating in this Unity Week of Action, standing with our partners and fellow advocates to call for a more equitable, compassionate, and sensible approach to federal cannabis policy." Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project said, "No matter who is in office we will not stop pushing for legalization until we finally end the war on our community. There are still hundreds of thousands of cannabis arrests every year and we will remind Congress that the vast majority of our country, and even 55% of republicans, support legalization. Now it’s on us to push congress to do the right thing, and that’s exactly what we intend to do this Unity Week.” As more organizations join our fight, individuals interested in attending Cannabis Unity Week can sign up for updates here . Additionally, if you have any questions, you can read this FAQ document or watch our recorded information session for more info. Those who can’t join us in D.C. can still participate virtually by contacting your federal representatives to #DecriminalizeNow, urging your governor to grant clemency to those in your state, and following along through livestream. Learn more and take action at LPP.la/CannabisUnityWeek . Press contact: Stephen Post LPP Communications Manager stephen@lastprisonerproejct.org