This 4/20, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect and offer multiple avenues for you to take real action for cannabis reform.
To grow cannabis advocacy year-round, let’s learn more about the work the Last Prisoner Project is doing and the actionable opportunities we all can take part in!
What is the Last Prisoner Project?
The Last Prisoner Project is a national, nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to cannabis criminal justice reform.
Since 2019, their team has worked tirelessly to end America’s policy of cannabis criminalization, to repair the harms of cannabis prohibition, and to achieve their goal of freeing the 40,000+ individuals still unjustly imprisoned for cannabis.
The Last Prisoner Project is supported by cannabis brands, dispensaries, and individuals across the US to continually support the mission of freeing every last prisoner.
Want to find out how you can help this 4/20 or annually? Let’s get into four simple ways you can do so.
How to Support Cannabis Advocacy this 4/20
Without further ado, here are four ways any individual can support cannabis advocacy this 4/20.
#1 – The 420 Unity Day of Action
This Thursday, April 18th, 2024, the Last Prisoner Project is launching its largest bi-partisan coalition in the U.S. to lobby in Washington, D.C. What the group is calling the “420 Unity Day of Action” will comprise cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations seeking to further their mission.
Event organizers are hoping the public outpour of support will put pressure on Congress and the President to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison, and provide retroactive relief
#2 – Pardons to Progress
In October 2022, President Biden took a series of historic cannabis-related executive actions. He wielded his clemency power to pardon people convicted of certain federal cannabis offenses.
But that’s not enough. While President Biden also called on governors to take similar action at the state level, there’s nothing like hearing support from your own constituents.
Join the Last Prisoner Project and HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project in urging the nation’s governors to use their clemency power to release every last cannabis prisoner. Simply contact your governor in support, and urge others to do the same.
#3 – Donate Cash for Cause
We get it. For many, times can be tough. But think about how much you’ll be saving this 4/20 with retail sales. Take that amount, or whatever you can, from your monthly or weekly budget and give back to freeing others to do the same as you.
Donating to the Last Prisoner Project can be done year round, but it can feel especially impactful during the 4/20 holiday season.
#4 – Write Letters to Right History
The Last Prisoner Project supports a campaign called, “The Pen” that gives a voice to those incarcerated. On the site, you’ll find letters that tell the stories of families, friends, and loved ones of the incarcerated – and how this injustice has impacted their lives.
If you have a loved one who is currently incarcerated, submit a letter advocating for them. As you write your letter, please consider introducing yourself, describing your connection to unjust cannabis incarceration, and talking about how it has impacted you emotionally.
Want to connect personally with a cannabis prisoner, and show your support? Take advantage of the Last Prisoner Project’s letter writing program to connect to someone currently incarcerated.
The Final Word: 4/20 for Advocates
Before you take part in this weekend’s celebratory activities, take the time to think of those who can’t. To help, act today to make an impact tomorrow, with any of the actionable opportunities you learned about here.
Even more, if you’re in the retail space of cannabis, consider partnering with or advocating on behalf of the Last Prisoner Project to help spread its mission and expand the good it can do.
Stay connected to the cannabis retail industry by connecting with Seed Talent socially on LinkedIn or Instagram, or sign up for a demo to see just how our platform revolutionizes brand and budtender training.
