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Congressional Leaders, Grassroots Organizations & Cannabis Industry Activists Call for Decriminalization during 420 Unity Day of Action Multi-Day Activism Concludes with Moving White House Candlelight Vigil Honoring those Still Incarcerated and their Families PRESS HERE to Download Photos + Videos from the Week’s Events Washington D.C., April 19 – Over the past several days, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has been mobilizing the largest coalition of bipartisan cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, as well as individual activists to convene in Washington D.C. for a 420 Unity Day of Action . A number of lobbying events applied public pressure on Congress and President Biden, encouraging them to take action to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison and clear cannabis-related convictions. Although 24 states and D.C. have legalized adult-use cannabis sales and the vast majority of the U.S. population now lives in states with some form of legal cannabis, tens of thousands of people remain in state and federal prison and millions still suffer the collateral consequences of a criminal record for the same activity others now profit from. Advocates were joined by several elected officials who have been leading the fight for cannabis reform including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) who spoke during Wednesday’s press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol, and the next day Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) spoke to advocates at the Capitol Visitor Center before Lobby Day meetings with elected officials from both parties including Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Sen. Kirsten Sinema (D-Arizona), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Sen. Bill Cassiday (R-Louisiana), Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia), and others to call for the full legalization of cannabis, the removal of criminal penalties and retroactive relief. Specifically, advocates called on lawmakers to co-sponsor one of the three pieces of legislation which would federally legalize cannabis, the MORE Act , States Rights Act , and the soon to be re-introduced CAOA , as well as the HOPE Act , which was introduced in the Senate on Thursday and would provide funding for state-level expungement programs. Capping off 48 hours of lobbying and activism, formerly incarcerated LPP constituents Bryan Reid , Kyle Page , Donte West and Andy Cox , and families of those still incarcerated including Mitzi Wall and Alicia Deals , were joined by hundreds of advocates for a candlelight vigil in front of the White House to honor all those harmed by cannabis criminalization. Throughout the week, directly-impacted advocates were joined by celebrity voices including Rosario Dawson, M-1 of Dead Prez, and JoJo Simmons who used their platforms to spread the calls to decriminalize far beyond the capital. This advocacy work to broaden the movement and get people engaged on these issues will continue throughout the weekend as the 4/20 Unity events culminate with the National Cannabis Festival taking place today and tomorrow (April 19-20) at RFK Campus Festival Grounds which includes educational panels and a fireside chat with Last Prisoner Project Board Member M-1 . The weekend will conclude with a concert headlined by Thundercat and Wu-Tang Clan with Last Prisoner Project Ambassador Redman . To join the fight for cannabis justice, contact your elected officials by sending them a letter and calling their offices urging them to decriminalize cannabis now. Photo Credit: Ben Droz The bipartisan advocacy groups that joined LPP this week included: Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) ( @drugpolicyalliance )⁣⁣ Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) ( @ssdpofficial )⁣⁣ NORML ( @natlnorml )⁣⁣ Veterans Cannabis Coalition ( @veteranscannacoalition )⁣⁣ Parabola Center ( @parabolacenter )⁣⁣ Reason Foundation⁣⁣ Law Enforcement Action Partnership⁣⁣ (LEAP) ( @leactionpartnership ) National Cannabis Festival ( @natlcannabisfest )⁣⁣ National Craft Cannabis Coalition⁣⁣ ( @nationalcraftcannabiscoalition ) National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)⁣⁣ ( @nationalcannabisindustry ) Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)⁣⁣ ( @mincannbusassoc ) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) ( @indigenouscannabisindustry )⁣⁣ Asian Cannabis Roundtable⁣⁣ ( @asiancannabisroundtable ) National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) ( @nabcl_llc ) FreedomGrow ( @FreedomGrowForever ) Marijuana Justice ( @thcjusticenow ) Doctors for Drug Policy Reform ( @d4dprorg ) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) ( @ufcwunion ) Bay Area Latino Cannabis Alliance (BALCA) ( @balca_bayarea ) Supernova Women ( @supernovawomen ) Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( @m4mmunited ) Better Organizing for Winning Legalization ( @thebowlpac ) Midwest Cannawomen ( @midwestcannawomen ) DCMJ ( @DCMJ2014 ) Just Leadership USA (JLUSA) ( @justleadershipusa ) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( @nacdl ) United For Decrim Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) ( @marijuanapolicyproject ) ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT 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 Stephen Post Last Prisoner Project’s Strategic Communications Manager stephen@lastprsionerproject.org | press@lastprisonerproject.org

Statement from Frank Stiefel Senior Policy Associate Last Prisoner Project Hawai’i Legislature Sends Bill to Governor Green that will Provide Retroactive Relief for Those Criminalized for Cannabis Possession April 18, 2024 House Bill 1595 (HB 1595), which would create a pilot for the creation of a state-initiated expungement process for individuals with non-conviction records for cannabis possession, has been passed by the Hawai’i Legislature and now awaits Governor Green’s signature. Over the past year, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has been working with Representative David Tarnas, Chair of the Hawai'i State House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to figure out relief pathways for those criminalized during cannabis prohibition. Our work with Representative Tarnas led to him introducing HB 1595 at the start of this year, which would begin to address the injustices perpetrated during the War on Drugs through the creation of a state-initiated expungement process for individuals with a criminal record for cannabis possession. On March 1st, Representative Tarnas invited LPP to participate in an informational briefing on the importance of cannabis record clearance . During the briefing, we gave a presentation on the landscape of cannabis record clearance and how HB 1595 could begin to dismantle the racial injustices that the criminal legal system has perpetuated during prohibition in Hawai’i. The Hawai'i Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) also participated in the briefing and presented data showing that approximately 40,000 of the 50,000 criminal records that are eligible under HB 1595 are for non-convictions. This means that 40,000 individuals have been found not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, yet they still carry a criminal record for cannabis possession. Since the briefing on March 1st, HB 1595 has been amended to reflect the preferred approach of the Department of the Attorney General. The bill now outlines the creation of a pilot for the implementation of a state-initiated expungement process for non-conviction records of cannabis possession. Our hope is that HB 1595 will be a blueprint for how Hawai’i can begin to provide retroactive relief to the thousands of individuals who continue to suffer the consequences of having a criminal record for cannabis possession, an offense that has been decriminalized since 2019. “I believe our state has an obligation to ensure that individuals who continue to suffer the consequences of an outdated law have an opportunity to finally move on with their lives. HB 1595 represents the first step for Hawai'i to expand the relief offered by record clearance to a greater number of individuals who have a criminal record for cannabis possession. My hope is that this pilot project will demonstrate that Hawai'i can grow this state-initiated expungement process to ensure that every individual that has been affected by a criminal record for cannabis possession is provided retroactive relief,” said Representative David Tarnas. There are now 24 states that have passed laws to create cannabis-specific expungement processes. Similarly, the inclusion of criminal justice policies has become commonplace for states that have sought to legalize adult-use cannabis. Since 2018, 13 of the 14 states that have legalized cannabis have included record clearance policies, and since 2021, they have all been state-initiated. We look forward to continuing to work with legislators in Hawai’i to create systems that can provide retroactive relief for the thousands of individuals who have been criminalized during prohibition. About Last Prisoner Project The Last Prisoner Project, 501(c)(3), is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on the intersection of cannabis and criminal justice reform. Through policy campaigns, direct intervention, and advocacy, LPP’s team of policy experts works to redress the past and continuing harms of unjust cannabis laws. We are committed to offering our technical expertise to ensure a successful and justice-informed pathway to cannabis legalization in Hawai'i.

Today Last Prisoner Project (LPP), alongside other partner organizations, hosted a 420 Unity Day of Action press conference at the House Triangle in front of the U.S. Capitol building where we were joined by elected officials who have been leading the fight for cannabis reform including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) to encourage their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end the hypocrisy of cannabis criminalization. Rep. Pressley said that, “criminalizing marijuana is part of the failed war on drugs and sustained a mass incarceration crisis that has ravaged our communities, destabilized our amilies and inflicted generational trauma. When we’re talking about the war on drugs, cannabis justice and the shameful crisis of mass incarceration, there are no excuses for the problem. No excuses, but there is a solution—and clemency is a part of that solution.” She continued saying, “Cannabis justice is racial justice. Cannabis justice is economic justice. Cannabis justice is reparative. It is restorative justice. And the time to act is now. “The War on Drugs has failed, and it’s past time that cannabis be descheduled,” said Wyden. “That’s why I am proud to join forces for the 420 Unity Day of Action to bring America’s cannabis policies into the 21st century. But we can’t stop at descheduling. Congress must do more to repair the harm caused by a decades old-drug war—like passing the Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act I introduced with Leader Schumer and Senator Booker. Meaningful cannabis reform will ensure communities of color receive equal justice and pave the way for small businesses to thrive in their local communities." Rep. Blumenauer said, “Forces are aligned to be able to end this failed war on drugs and mobilize unprecedented support across the country. And, frankly, the Biden administration has been doing a little realignment, which I welcome. But it’s time to not just realign but get it done. President Biden, if I was interested in mobilizing young people—if I was interested in energizing them—this is a no-brainer.” On April 18th, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) joined advocates to convene at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium at 9 a.m. for Lobby Day programming and meetings with elected officials and their staff to apply public pressure on Congress and the President to take action to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison, and provide retroactive relief. Capping off the 420 Unity Day of Action, the public is invited to attend a candlelight vigil in front of the White House at Lafayette Square on April 18 from 7-10 p.m . For supporters who can’t make it to D.C. but would still like to join our fight for cannabis justice, we encourage you to contact your elected officials by sending them a letter and calling their offices urging them to decriminalize cannabis now. 420 Unity Day of Action is part of the National Cannabis Festival which takes place at RFK Campus Festival Grounds on April 19th and 20th where directly-impacted advocates will join celebrity voices like M-1 of Dead Prez and JoJo Simmons for multiple panel conversations with partners on how we can push the movement forward. This will culminate with headlined concerts by Thundercat and Wu-Tang Clan with Redman . Thanks to the broader array of advocate groups spanning across political boundaries that are supporting the 420 Unity Day of Action: Last Prisoner Project (LPP) ( @lastprisonerproject ) Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) ( @drugpolicyalliance )⁣⁣ Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) ( @ssdpofficial )⁣⁣ NORML ( @natlnorml )⁣⁣ Veterans Cannabis Coalition ( @veteranscannacoalition )⁣⁣ Parabola Center ( @parabolacenter )⁣⁣ Reason Foundation⁣⁣ Law Enforcement Action Partnership⁣⁣ (LEAP) ( @leactionpartnership ) National Cannabis Festival ( @natlcannabisfest )⁣⁣ National Craft Cannabis Coalition⁣⁣ ( @nationalcraftcannabiscoalition ) National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)⁣⁣ ( @nationalcannabisindustry ) Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)⁣⁣ ( @mincannbusassoc ) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) ( @indigenouscannabisindustry )⁣⁣ Asian Cannabis Roundtable⁣⁣ ( @asiancannabisroundtable ) National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) ( @nabcl_llc ) FreedomGrow ( @FreedomGrowForever ) Marijuana Justice ( @thcjusticenow ) Doctors for Drug Policy Reform ( @d4dprorg ) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) ( @ufcwunion ) Bay Area Latino Cannabis Alliance (BALCA) ( @balca_bayarea ) Supernova Women ( @supernovawomen ) Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( @m4mmunited ) Better Organizing for Winning Legalization ( @thebowlpac ) Midwest Cannawomen ( @midwestcannawomen ) DCMJ ( @DCMJ2014 ) Just Leadership USA (JLUSA) ( @justleadershipusa ) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( @nacdl ) United For Decrim Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) ( @marijuanapolicyproject )

30+ Organizations Join Forces for 420 Unity Day of Action Press Conference, Lobby Day, and White House Candlelight Vigil Washington D.C., April 16 – Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has mobilized the largest coalition of bi-partisan cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, as well as individual activists to convene in Washington D.C. on April 18, 2024 , for a 420 Unity Day of Action . A number of lobbying events have been planned to apply public pressure on Congress and the President to take action to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison, and provide retroactive relief. Advocates will be joined by elected officials who have been leading the fight for cannabis reform including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), and others to encourage their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end the hypocrisy of cannabis criminalization. On April 17 , the coalition will hold a press conference at the U.S. Capitol’s House Triangle , organized by LPP, at 8:45 a.m. prior to the start of the National Cannabis Festival Policy Summit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library where LPP is hosting Lobby Day Training from 4-5 p.m. in Conference Room 401-F. On April 18 , coalition advocates will convene at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium at 9 a.m. for Lobby Day programming and meetings with elected officials and their staff. Capping off the 420 Unity Day of Action, the public is invited to attend a candlelight vigil in front of the White House at Lafayette Square on April 18 from 7-10 p.m . Since announcing the 420 Unity Day of Action, there have been a number of developments that continue to build momentum for cannabis justice. After President Biden mentioned his cannabis actions during his State of the Union address , the White House hosted a roundtable to uplift the Administration’s expanded pardons. Additionally, members of Congress have continued to send letters to the Biden Administration and the DEA to encourage the full descheduling of cannabis. Although 24 states and D.C. have legalized adult-use cannabis sales and the vast majority of the U.S. population now lives in states with some form of legal cannabis, tens of thousands of people remain in state and federal prison. It is imperative that as the federal government seeks to downgrade cannabis’s status from a Schedule I drug , advocates are pushing for the full legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. For supporters who can’t make it to D.C. but would still like to join our fight for cannabis justice, we encourage you to contact your elected officials by sending them a letter and calling their offices urging them to decriminalize cannabis now. 420 Unity Day of Action is part of the National Cannabis Festival which takes place at RFK Campus Festival Grounds on April 19th and 20th where directly-impacted advocates will join celebrity voices like M-1 of Dead Prez and JoJo Simmons for multiple panel conversations with partners on how we can push the movement forward. This will culminate with headlined concerts by Thundercat and Wu-Tang Clan with Redman . The broad array of advocate groups spans across political boundaries and includes: Last Prisoner Project (LPP) ( @lastprisonerproject ) Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) ( @drugpolicyalliance )⁣⁣ Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) ( @ssdpofficial )⁣⁣ NORML ( @natlnorml )⁣⁣ Veterans Cannabis Coalition ( @veteranscannacoalition )⁣⁣ Parabola Center ( @parabolacenter )⁣⁣ Reason Foundation⁣⁣ Law Enforcement Action Partnership⁣⁣ (LEAP) ( @leactionpartnership ) National Cannabis Festival ( @natlcannabisfest )⁣⁣ National Craft Cannabis Coalition⁣⁣ ( @nationalcraftcannabiscoalition ) National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)⁣⁣ ( @nationalcannabisindustry ) Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)⁣⁣ ( @mincannbusassoc ) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) ( @indigenouscannabisindustry )⁣⁣ Asian Cannabis Roundtable⁣⁣ ( @asiancannabisroundtable ) National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) ( @nabcl_llc ) FreedomGrow ( @FreedomGrowForever ) Marijuana Justice ( @thcjusticenow ) Doctors for Drug Policy Reform ( @d4dprorg ) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) ( @ufcwunion ) Bay Area Latino Cannabis Alliance (BALCA) ( @balca_bayarea ) Supernova Women ( @supernovawomen ) Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( @m4mmunited ) Better Organizing for Winning Legalization ( @thebowlpac ) Midwest Cannawomen ( @midwestcannawomen ) DCMJ ( @DCMJ2014 ) Just Leadership USA (JLUSA) ( @justleadershipusa ) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( @nacdl ) United For Decrim Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) ( @marijuanapolicyproject ) For Media Inquiries: Jason Ortiz Director of Strategic Initiatives press@lastprisonerproject.org ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT 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.

This 4/20, consider giving your stoner gifts with purpose. By choosing gifts that align with the mission of the Last Prisoner Project , you can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by outdated cannabis laws. Here's a guide to stylish presents that also contribute to the Last Prisoner Project's mission of achieving reparative justice in the cannabis community. The Pleasures x Reebok Club C Bulc “Not Guilty” Sneaker Los Angeles streetwear label Pleasures and Reebok have cooked up a sneaker for 4/20 , but rather than play around with stoner stereotypes or motifs they’ve decided to make a more serious point about who’s been left behind in the process of marijuana legalization. They were made to call attention to those who are still incarcerated for marijuana charges, even as the drug has been widely legalized across the United States. The sneakers come as part of a wider a T-shirt, shorts and hoodie. To coincide with the capsule, Reebok has pledged to donate $10,000 to Last Prisoner Project Lucky Brand Highest Quality Collection Lucky Brand’s Highest Quality Capsule Collection, features cannabis-inspired styles made with elevated techniques, exemplifying the casual cool and culturally relevant lifestyle of laid-back comfort. The campaign highlights stories of the progression of cannabis perception in society by showcasing a variety of personal perspectives – from criminalization to culture to agriculture. $10 from every Highest Quality item sold in April 2024 will be donated to Last Prisoner Project . Last Prisoner Project Merch Store Buy cannabis reform hoodies, t-shirts, hats and other merchandise that let you advocate for social justice and cannabis reform everywhere you go. These items go directly to LPP’s funds to support our constituents and run our programs. FashionKush "Cannabis Is Not A Crime" Sweatshirt Make a statement for social justice & cannabis reform with our Cannabis is Not a Crime collection... because no one should be in jail for weed. $1 from each purchase of our Cannabis is Not a Crime collection will be donated to our friends at the last prisoner project in support of their efforts to redress the harms caused by cannabis prohibition through Last Prisoner Project 's Constituent Support Fund. The 420 Grassland Runwell 41mm Watch Designed in collaboration with actor and Michigan native Quincy Isaiah, the Grassland Runwell is created to bring awareness to the racial disparity in marijuana arrests and help drive long-needed change. A portion of the proceeds of each watch—limited to 420 pieces—is pledged to support criminal justice reform policies. “How a Plant Became Illegal” T-Shirt As millions walk into their local dispensaries every day to buy cannabis, there are tens of thousands incarcerated for doing the very same thing. ⁣Last Prisoner Project’s collaboration with For Everyone Collective aims to raise awareness for those impacted by cannabis prohibition and shed light on this injustice. ⁣⁣⁣The shirts were designed and printed by formerly incarcerated people and all profits from this collection will go towards LPP’s Constituent Support Fund to aid those currently incarcerated for cannabis offenses. ⁣ Purchase Cannabis from Justice Partners Our Roll It Up For Justice Program is a nationwide campaign encouraging cannabis businesses to give customers the opportunity to donate to Last Prisoner Project at check out. Small change can make a big impact, and every cent raised through the program gets us closer to the day when every last cannabis prisoner is set free. No dispensary around you currently participating? Encourage your budtender to check it out . And as always, make sure to buy weed from the people that have been traditionally criminalized the most including Black, Latine, LGBTQ+, and women legacy operators. Cheech and Chong Judges Water The Judge's Water™ is a treasure for any true vodka lover, and the bottle is every stoner's dream… But for us, this project is more than just a cool concept. With over half a century advocating for the green, and a couple of mugshots to show for it, Cheech and Chong have seen firsthand the sting of outdated drug laws. Millions of Americans are locked up in states where cannabis is legal for non-violent drug offenses. All because of the backwards drug laws we've had in this country for decades. That just doesn’t sit right with us, man. It's a harsh reality we want to help change. That’s why a portion of all proceeds from The Judge’s Water™ are going to support The Last Prisoner Project’s mission to ensure that every last cannabis prisoner is released, & to help reintegrate them back into society. GRAV Classic Spoon As part of our ongoing partnership with Last Prisoner Project, we’ve teamed up to release a limited edition spoon. This glossy black hand pipe features the same high-capacity bowl and inverted ash-catching mouthpiece as our Classic Spoon. It’s also etched with both the GRAV and LPP emblems. Pass it around and get the conversation started. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Last Prisoner Project. CHNGE.com Cannabis Equity Clothing Nobody Should be in Prison for Weed! CHNGE.com has created this line of cannabis equity clothing in support of The Last Prisoner Project and Marijuana Matters, two non-profits focused on cannabis criminal justice reform and economic opportunity in regulated cannabis markets for those disadvantaged by marijuana’s criminalization. Shop their tees, crop tops, and longsleeves here . Make a Donation to Last Prisoner Project If your stoner friends already have every cool accessory on the market, consider making a direct donation in their name to the Last Prisoner Project, to support our work to free people incarcerated for cannabis offenses.

Statement from Frank Stiefel Senior Policy Associate Last Prisoner Project Hawai’i Senate Passes Bill to Provide Retroactive Relief for Those Criminalized for Cannabis Possession April 9, 2024 House Bill 1595 (HB 1595), which would create a pilot for the creation of a state-initiated expungement process for individuals with non-conviction records for cannabis possession, has been voted out of the Senate and moves one step closer to Governor Green’s desk. In 2019, the Hawai’i legislature decriminalized the simple possession of cannabis. However, to this day, thousands of individuals in Hawai’i still carry a criminal record for cannabis possession . National research shows that less than 6.5% of people who are already eligible for an expungement ever have their records expunged because of the cumbersome nature of the record clearance process. When an individual has a criminal record for cannabis, the collateral consequences linger for a lifetime without access to expungement. Criminal records restrict individuals from employment, housing, political participation, public assistance, education, and a myriad of other services. These restrictions hinder the well-being and safety of entire communities, particularly communities of color who have been systematically targeted by law enforcement during cannabis prohibition. Over the past year, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has been working with Representative David Tarnas, Chair of the Hawai'i State House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to figure out relief pathways for those criminalized during cannabis prohibition. Our work with Representative Tarnas led to him introducing HB 1595 at the start of this year, which would begin to address the injustices perpetrated during the War on Drugs through the creation of a state-initiated expungement process for individuals with a criminal record for cannabis possession. On March 1st, Representative Tarnas invited LPP to participate in an informational briefing on the importance of cannabis record clearance . During the briefing, we gave a presentation on the landscape of cannabis record clearance and how HB 1595 could begin to dismantle the racial injustices that the criminal legal system has perpetuated during prohibition in Hawai’i. The Hawai'i Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC) also participated in the briefing and presented data showing that approximately 40,000 of the 50,000 criminal records that are eligible under HB 1595 are for non-convictions. This means that 40,000 individuals have been found not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, yet they still carry a criminal record for cannabis possession. Since the briefing on March 1st, HB 1595 has been amended to reflect the preferred approach of the Department of the Attorney General. The bill now outlines the creation of a pilot for the implementation of a state-initiated expungement process for non-conviction records of cannabis possession. Our hope is that HB 1595 will be a blueprint for how Hawai’i can begin to provide retroactive relief to the thousands of individuals who continue to suffer the consequences of having a criminal record for cannabis possession, an offense that has been decriminalized since 2019. There are now 24 states that have passed laws to create cannabis-specific expungement processes. Similarly, the inclusion of criminal justice policies has become commonplace for states that have sought to legalize adult-use cannabis. Since 2018, 13 of the 14 states that have legalized cannabis have included record clearance policies, and since 2021, they have all been state-initiated. We look forward to continuing to work with legislators in Hawai’i to create systems that can provide retroactive relief for the thousands of individuals who have been criminalized during prohibition. About Last Prisoner Project The Last Prisoner Project, 501(c)(3), is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on the intersection of cannabis and criminal justice reform. Through policy campaigns, direct intervention, and advocacy, LPP’s team of policy experts works to redress the past and continuing harms of unjust cannabis laws. We are committed to offering our technical expertise to ensure a successful and justice-informed pathway to cannabis legalization in Hawai'i.

Lucky Brand’s Highest Quality Capsule Collection, features cannabis-inspired styles made with elevated techniques, exemplifying the casual cool and culturally relevant lifestyle of laid-back comfort. Together with cannabis-advocate and entrepreneur Lola Langusta, the brand’s campaign highlights stories of the progression of cannabis perception in society by showcasing a variety of personal perspectives – from criminalization to culture to agriculture. The campaign was shot on location in New York City and upstate New York. The Highest Quality capsule features three unique perspectives on the ways cannabis impacts culture today. The Culturista: Lola Langusta Lola Langusta is a creative director and visionary who launched her company Stoned Fox, a creative studio and production company in cannabis, plant wellness, and lifestyle in 2016. Lola works with ethical and sustainable brands to assist with bringing awareness to healing ourselves naturally and the responsibility we all share collectively to help heal our planet. The Farmers: Hudson Cannabis Founded by women, owned by farmers, and powered by regenerative agriculture, Hudson Cannabis is going one step further with regenerative agriculture. Their farm provides a holistic approach to producing top-tier, biodiverse cannabis that’s grown intentionally in the sunlight, in the soil with the plant and planet in mind. The Activist: Donte West Donte West is a decriminalization and anti-incarceration advocate whose experience with the criminal justice system changed his life forever. With no criminal record, and nothing illegal in his possession, Donte was arrested and convicted on charges that were later overturned. Released after three years in October 2020, he now works with Last Prisoner Project to help free anyone incarcerated on cannabis-related charges. “Lucky Brand has always been at the forefront of driving cultural conversations since 1990 and we are excited to give our collaborators a platform to express themselves on luckybrand.com and on our social channels. Rooted in denim, Americana and self expression, our brand is for the free-thinkers and the optimists who don’t take life too seriously,” says Michael DeLellis, EVP Head of Marketing from Lucky Brand & SPARC Group. The collection will be live on April 4th on LuckyBrand.com and $10 from every Highest Quality item sold in April 2024 will be donated to Last Prisoner Project with a commitment from the brand up to $10,000. Additionally, Lucky’s social post(s) will direct the audience to help support the mission of LPP by participating in the Letter writing program . About Lucky Brand: WEAR LUCKY. FEEL LUCKY. Lucky Brand was founded in 1990 with a spirit of reinvention. Rooted in premium denim, Americana and self-expression, our brand is for the free-thinkers and the optimists who don't take life too seriously. Our denim and lifestyle wares portray personality through perfectly imperfect, often American heritage inspired details that bring levity to any look, or situation. Wear Lucky and make good fortune. Feel lucky, and you’ll find it. Shop Lucky Brand in freestanding store locations across North America, select department stores and on luckybrand.com. About The Last Prisoner Project: The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit 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. LPP works 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.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news Governor Youngkin has vetoed our cannabis sentence modification bill, SB 696. Under the bill, thousands of individuals charged for cannabis offenses under outdated laws would have had their sentences reevaluated in light of legalization. Instead, the Governor’s veto message not only ignored the intention of this bill but, more importantly, ignored the plight of thousands of families across the Commonwealth whose lives have been permanently altered by prohibitionist laws repealed three years ago! Virginia may have ended cannabis prohibition in 2021, but there remains a significant injustice for those individuals who continue to be incarcerated for offenses that are no longer considered illegal. According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, the average cost of housing an individual in custody is $33,994. Furthermore, as of 2023, Virginia has generated over $8 million in tax dollars from medical marijuana according to the US Census Bureau. Thus, SB 696 represents a critical step towards rectifying this injustice by allowing for the modification of sentences for individuals convicted of cannabis-related offenses. But the fight is not over. We still have an opportunity to let the people speak and encourage Virginia lawmakers to override this veto. It is important that you write to your state representative and senator to support SB 696 by voting to override Gov. Youngkin's veto and ensure justice for Virginians harmed by cannabis convictions. By joining the effort to override the veto and make SB 696 law, you have the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and ensure that hundreds of Virginians with cannabis offenses have their sentences either reduced or vacated completely. This bill is not just about correcting legal inconsistencies; it is about improving public safety by providing individuals with the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. Thank you to Marijuana Justice Virginia, Nolef Turns, the Virginia NAACP, NORML, the Virginia Student Power Network, The New Majority Virginia, Rise for Youth, and all the members of the CannaJustice Coalition for all of your hard work and dedication to ensure justice. We must continue until no one remains in prison for cannabis. Send a letter today!