The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a non-profit organization that aims to bring restorative justice to individuals who have been incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses. Their primary goals are to secure the release of these prisoners, provide post-release support, and help them rebuild their lives.
LPP was founded in 2019 by Steve DeAngelo, an influential cannabis entrepreneur and activist, along with other industry leaders and advocates. The organization was born out of the recognition that despite the growing legalization and acceptance of cannabis, many individuals continue to languish in prison for non-violent offenses related to the plant.
The Last Prisoner Project works toward their goals through several key initiatives:
Advocacy: LPP advocates for criminal justice reform, urging policymakers to address the injustices of cannabis prohibition and push for the release of individuals still incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses.
Prisoner Release: The organization actively works on behalf of cannabis prisoners, striving to secure their release through clemency petitions, legal representation, and support in navigating the complex legal system.
Reentry Programs: LPP assists released prisoners with reentry into society, offering programs and resources for education, job training, employment placement, and housing support. They aim to provide individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Record Expungement: LPP advocates for the expungement of criminal records related to non-violent cannabis offenses, recognizing that these records can create significant barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities for those who have paid their debt to society.
The Last Prisoner Project wants people to know that the ongoing criminalization and imprisonment of individuals for cannabis-related offenses is an injustice that needs to be rectified. They emphasize the urgent need for criminal justice reform, the end of cannabis prohibition, and the restoration of rights for those affected. LPP aims to raise awareness, engage with the public, and rally support for their mission to bring restorative justice to those impacted by cannabis criminalization.
By highlighting the human stories and struggles of those affected by unjust cannabis laws, the Last Prisoner Project seeks to inspire action, promote compassion, and foster a more equitable and just society for all.