West by Donte West

Summary
Justice-driven cannabis brand turning advocacy into action across Missouri.
Description

West by Donte West operates as a premium cannabis brand distributed through Illicit Gardens' extensive Missouri network. The brand offers a comprehensive product portfolio including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles, all crafted with Illicit's award-winning cultivation standards and proprietary genetics library featuring over 100 hand-selected strains.Current operations span Missouri's major metropolitan areas with products available in approximately 100 licensed dispensaries statewide. The brand leverages Illicit Gardens' state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, which utilize advanced bio-security systems and hand-trimming techniques to ensure premium quality and potency. All products undergo rigorous testing protocols and are processed using specialized drying and curing methods to maximize cannabinoid and terpene profiles.West by Donte West distinguishes itself through its unique position as Missouri's only major cannabis brand founded by a formerly incarcerated individual. The brand operates under Illicit Gardens' infrastructure, benefiting from the company's 350+ employees and over $100 million in Missouri cannabis sales. Product lines feature compelling social justice messaging and artwork that highlights ongoing cannabis prohibition injustices, making each purchase a statement of support for criminal justice reform.

Our story

West by Donte West was born from one of the most powerful stories in cannabis justice. Founded in 2022 by Donte Westmoreland after his exoneration from a wrongful cannabis conviction, this brand represents the intersection of personal triumph and social change. Donte served nearly four years in Kansas prison for allegedly selling a pound of marijuana before successfully fighting his charges and securing complete exoneration in 2021.Upon his release, Donte partnered with Illicit Gardens, Missouri's premier cannabis cultivator, to launch West by Illicit. The brand launched strategically in January 2022, just weeks after Missouri's recreational cannabis legalization took effect in December 2022. Within two years, West by Donte West has achieved remarkable growth, securing placement in nearly 100 dispensaries across Missouri including major markets in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Columbus.The brand's rapid expansion coincided with significant recognition, including Kansas City's proclamation of April 20 as "4/20 Donte West Cannabis Justice Day" in 2023. This achievement reflects both the brand's market success and its founder's unwavering commitment to cannabis justice reform.

Mission

West by Donte West's mission extends far beyond cannabis commerce to encompass genuine social transformation. The brand exists to demonstrate that those most impacted by cannabis prohibition can become leaders in the legal industry while creating meaningful change for others still suffering from outdated drug policies.Core values center on justice, authenticity, and community empowerment. The brand commits 30% of all proceeds to supporting incarcerated individuals through legal fees, commissary funds, and reintegration support. This direct financial commitment ensures every purchase contributes to freeing cannabis prisoners and rebuilding lives torn apart by prohibition.The brand champions second chances and criminal justice reform while maintaining unwavering quality standards. Through partnerships with organizations like the Last Prisoner Project, West by Donte West advocates for policy changes at state and federal levels. The mission encompasses both immediate relief for current prisoners and long-term systemic change to prevent future injustices, proving that cannabis businesses can be powerful forces for social good.

Why we love this brand

West by Donte West represents everything we value at Calm Effect: authentic storytelling, social responsibility, and exceptional quality. This brand proves that cannabis businesses can create meaningful change while delivering premium products that rival any competitor in the market.What sets West apart is the genuine commitment to justice—30% of proceeds directly support incarcerated individuals, making every purchase an act of advocacy. The brand's founder, Donte Westmoreland, brings unmatched credibility and passion to cannabis reform, having personally experienced the system's failures before becoming a powerful voice for change.The product quality speaks for itself, backed by Illicit Gardens' award-winning cultivation and Missouri's recognition as one of America's top cannabis markets. For deal-seekers, West by Donte West offers competitive pricing across all product categories while providing the added value of supporting criminal justice reform.This brand embodies the cannabis industry's potential to right historical wrongs while building a more equitable future for all consumers and communities.

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