Mission Green

Mission Green emerged from founder Weldon Angelos' own experience with America's harsh cannabis laws. In 2004, Angelos—a promising music producer who had worked with artists like Snoop Dogg and Tupac's recording group—received a mandatory 55-year sentence for selling less than $1,000 worth of cannabis. His case became a national symbol of injustice, uniting unlikely allies across political lines.After serving 13 years before receiving clemency in 2016 (and a full pardon in 2020), Angelos launched Mission Green in 2018 as an initiative of The Weldon Project. Rather than simply moving on with his life, he dedicated himself to helping those still imprisoned. Mission Green has since played a pivotal role in securing the release of numerous individuals serving excessive sentences for cannabis, including those with life sentences. The organization was instrumental in the passage of the First Step Act and continues to work directly with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to implement meaningful criminal justice reform.

Mission Green operates at the intersection of cannabis advocacy, criminal justice reform, and direct support for those affected by prohibition. Their comprehensive approach addresses injustice through multiple pathways, working at federal, state, and local levels to create change.The organization maintains several core programs: their Cannabis Clemency Initiative secures the release of those serving time for cannabis offenses, while their Hand Up program provides financial assistance to those currently incarcerated, ensuring they can afford basic necessities not provided by prisons. For those released, Mission Green offers reentry programs and legal assistance, helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives.Mission Green leverages an impressive coalition of supporters spanning entertainment, sports, business, and politics. Their advocacy has reached the highest levels of government, including direct engagement with the White House on clemency initiatives. Through the Mission Green Alliance, they've created innovative partnerships with cannabis businesses, allowing consumers to round up purchases to fund their work. Their petitions and letters have garnered signatures from over 150 influential figures, amplifying their call for cannabis justice.

Mission Green is dedicated to ending the imprisonment of individuals for cannabis offenses and addressing the collateral consequences of prohibition. We believe no one should remain incarcerated for activities that are now legal and profitable in much of the country. Our mission extends beyond clemency to creating pathways for expungement and pardons, ensuring those affected can move forward with their lives without the burden of a cannabis conviction.We are committed to addressing the systemic inequities of cannabis enforcement, which has disproportionately impacted communities of color. By bringing together voices from across the political spectrum, we demonstrate that cannabis justice transcends partisan divides. We work directly with those impacted by harsh sentencing, believing that those who have lived through these injustices are uniquely qualified to lead reform efforts.Through our work, we aim to create a more just society where cannabis policies reflect our current understanding and where those who have paid the heaviest price for prohibition can finally find relief and opportunity.