The Last Prisoner Project operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with nationwide reach across all states where cannabis criminalization continues to impact communities. Unlike traditional cannabis companies, LPP focuses on three core areas of criminal justice reform: prisoner release, record clearing, and reentry programming.Their prisoner release efforts include federal and state clemency campaigns, compassionate release advocacy, and direct legal intervention through partnerships with criminal defense attorneys. The record clearing initiatives help individuals expunge cannabis convictions that create barriers to employment, housing, and financial assistance. Their comprehensive reentry programs provide formerly incarcerated individuals with cash grants, housing assistance, job training, and pathways to employment within the legal cannabis industry.LPP collaborates with cannabis businesses through their Partners for Freedom program and Roll It Up for Justice campaign, creating donation opportunities at point-of-sale in dispensaries nationwide. They maintain partnerships with major cannabis companies, law firms, and advocacy organizations, making them the industry's leading voice for social justice and restorative policies in the post-prohibition era.
The Last Prisoner Project emerged in 2019 from a stark reality: while cannabis businesses generated billions in legal revenue, over 40,000 people remained imprisoned for the same plant-related activities. Co-founded by cannabis industry pioneer Steve DeAngelo—dubbed "the father of the legal cannabis industry"—alongside advocates who understood the profound injustice of prohibition's legacy.Since inception, LPP has evolved from a grassroots advocacy effort into the cannabis industry's most recognized criminal justice reform organization. The nonprofit celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2024 with major milestones including partnerships with multinational law firms through their Cannabis Justice Initiative and collaborations with hundreds of cannabis businesses nationwide.What began as a moral imperative has grown into a comprehensive movement. LPP has secured the release of dozens of cannabis prisoners, cleared over 250,000 cannabis offenses from criminal records, and distributed $3.7 million directly to impacted individuals and families. Their Roll It Up for Justice program now operates in dispensaries across America, allowing customers to contribute to justice efforts with every purchase.
The Last Prisoner Project's mission centers on a fundamental principle: no one should remain incarcerated for cannabis-related activities that are now legal in most states. Their core commitment involves freeing every last cannabis prisoner through legal intervention, policy advocacy, and public education campaigns.LPP believes that anyone profiting from or participating in the legal cannabis industry has a moral imperative to work toward restorative justice. They're dedicated to addressing the disproportionate impact of cannabis criminalization on communities of color and low-income families who bore the brunt of prohibition enforcement.Their values emphasize dignity, equity, and comprehensive support for justice-impacted individuals. Beyond securing release, LPP commits to helping formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives through record clearing, reentry support, and creating employment pathways within the legal cannabis industry. They envision a post-prohibition future where justice is retroactive and inclusive.
At Calm Effect, we recognize that every cannabis deal and discount we feature exists because of the sacrifices made by those who came before legalization. The Last Prisoner Project represents the conscience of our industry—ensuring that as we celebrate cannabis freedom, we don't forget those still paying the price for prohibition.What sets LPP apart is their comprehensive approach and measurable impact. They've saved over 400 years of unjust prison time while putting millions of dollars directly into the hands of affected families. Their Roll It Up for Justice program makes it effortless for dispensary customers to contribute to meaningful change with every purchase.For deal-seeking cannabis consumers, supporting LPP-partnered dispensaries means your money goes further than just saving on products—it actively funds justice. Many of our featured dispensaries participate in LPP programs, allowing you to find great deals while supporting the fight to free cannabis prisoners and repair prohibition's lasting damage.