Michael Thompson after being released from prison in Jackson, MI on January 28

 

At 4am last Thursday, Michael Thompson was released from prison in Jackson, Michigan. ⁣⁣Thompson, who was sentenced to 40-60 years on charges stemming from a low-level 1994 cannabis sale, has since been reunited with the family members and loved ones he hasn't seen in over 25 years. 

From start to finish, Michael's case has been a testament to the power of community and collective action. After his clemency petition was submitted, hundreds of thousands of supporters across the country called, emailed, and wrote Governor Whitmer, urging her to commute his egregious sentence. Michael asked us to express his eternal gratitude for these efforts. It goes without saying that without your support, he would likely still be behind bars. 

And now, post-release, we've been thrilled to witness this community rally around Michael by providing the financial means he needs to purchase a home and begin the process of rebuilding his life. Michael has long expressed a desire to use his voice to advocate for those left behind. Immediately upon his release, he made a point to call attention to the urgent need for expansive prison and drug policy reform and pledged to dedicate his life in service of this important cause. Your generosity has ensured that this dream will no longer be deferred. 

Special thank you to Deedee Kirkwood, Attorney Kimberly Corral, The Grassoots Law Project, Tana Ganeva and all of the members of the Michigan Cannabis Freedom Coalition for their tireless advocacy on Michael’s behalf.

Catch more coverage on Michael's release from CNN, Fox 17, and ABC 12.