We are happy to announce that Harold Thomas is finally home and reunited with his family! Harold served an 8-year sentence for trafficking cannabis in Ohio.

During Ohio's recent legalization efforts, LPP highlighted Harold's story which began when legal repercussions for a cannabis-related offense altered the trajectory of his life. In December 2015, Harold Thomas received a call from his friend about a cannabis delivery he was moving from Kansas. At that point, Harold did not know that the Cincinnati Police Department had already enlisted his friend as a confidential informant. Harold was later arrested, convicted of trafficking cannabis, and sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Despite the subsequent legalization of medical cannabis and the recent approval of adult-use sales through Issue 2, the absence of automatic resentencing and record clearance provisions left a critical gap in redressing past injustices. Despite the victimless nature of the offense, Harold lost the good part of a decade. This reflects the broader struggles faced by many affected by cannabis prohibition who are still in prison or suffering the collateral consequences of having a cannabis record.

People in Ohio are still serving sentences for cannabis-related convictions and tens of thousands still bear the lifelong burden of having a cannabis record—even though the state voted to legalize adult-use cannabis last year. We will continue to fight for legislation that prioritizes freeing these individuals and clearing their records.

LPP has supported him through our advocacy program, a family support grant, and a reentry grant as he comes home. At 64, with the help of Last Prisoner Project, Harold will now focus on rebuilding his life post-release.

Last Prisoner Project's 2023 State of Cannabis Justice Report gives Ohio a grade of "D-". Even with the recent legalization improving that grade, there is still a need for continued advocacy and action. We must continue to educate the public that now is the time to fight for cannabis criminal justice.

The Last Prisoner Project remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the victory of Issue 2 translates into tangible justice for all individuals impacted by past cannabis convictions in Ohio. We urge Ohioans to join the ongoing fight for justice by taking action—calling on Governor DeWine to grant cannabis clemency immediately and advocating for state-initiated, comprehensive relief measures.