The U.S. Sentencing Commission's recent data confirms a significant impact on federal sentencing, with over 4,800 drug trafficking sentences reduced due to retroactive applications of Amendments 821 Part A and Part B. These guideline adjustments are not only numbers on paper but represent lives changed, giving hope to thousands of individuals who have endured excessively harsh sentences under outdated guidelines. The Commission's two-part reform—both amendments effective as of November 2023—addresses issues related to criminal history points in distinct ways: Part A : Focused on reducing “status points,” which add to the criminal history score if someone was under any criminal justice sentence at the time of the offense. With this change, over 2,200 people had their sentences reduced. Part B : Applied a two-level downward adjustment for those with zero criminal history points. This amendment brought relief to more than 2,600 additional individuals with low-level offenses, reflecting a fairer approach toward individuals without a prior criminal record. In practical terms, these amendments acknowledge the importance of individualized sentencing by recognizing that a history of minor offenses or even prior cannabis convictions should not result in lengthy incarcerations. Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has long championed these reforms, advocating for those unjustly sentenced under the harsh legacies of the war on drugs. In fact, when the U.S. Sentencing Commission invited public comments on these changes, LPP was among the voices calling for leniency in cannabis-related cases. One of our own constituents, Clarence Adams , experienced the tangible impact of these changes firsthand. After filing for a reduction, Clarence saw his sentence reduced by a year, moving his release date up to February 2026. Yet, our work for his full freedom continues. His story is one of thousands—showing how unjust enhancements have extended sentences far beyond reason. These sentencing changes reflect a shift toward fairness, but there is still more to be done. The Last Prisoner Project urges President Biden to exercise his clemency power to free Clarence and others still incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Through our #Countdown4Clemency campaign, we’re calling on the President to grant immediate clemency, correcting the wrongs of outdated drug policies with the stroke of a pen. For more on these amendments and their impact, read the full U.S. Sentencing Commission report here . Join us in our fight for full freedom for all cannabis prisoners—because a reduced sentence is just the beginning.

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news of Marques Eiland's release after serving 17 months of a 2.5-year sentence for a non-violent cannabis charge. Marques is now reunited with his three children, including his daughter, with whom he shared a heartfelt moment on his first day of freedom. Reflecting on his release, Marques expressed his gratitude saying, "The first day of the rest of my life. Thanks to Last Prisoner Project for all of the support!" Marques has faced numerous challenges during his time behind bars, but his strength and determination never wavered. In his own words, he described his incarceration as a learning experience, despite the feelings of powerlessness it brought. "Everything I’ve been through will just be part of the great story that I will have in the future. I’ve been through the most, but it did not break me. This is just fuel for the jet. I will take off eventually." For Marques, incarceration wasn’t just a sentence—it was an eye-opening experience. He shared how difficult it was to be away from his children and to navigate the harsh realities of prison life saying, "It’s a letdown if you have kids out there. Every day is a test. It’s all about having a strong mind." Now that Marques is free, he is focused on rebuilding his life. Last Prisoner Project has approved him for a reentry grant, which he hopes will provide some relief as he gets back on his feet. Marques’ release is not only a victory for him and his family but a reminder of the importance of continuing to advocate for those still behind bars for non-violent cannabis offenses. We celebrate this new chapter in his life and look forward to supporting him as he moves forward. Welcome home, Marques!