Flower Power: How Last Prisoner Project Fights for Cannabis Justice—One Freedom at a Time
In our latest Flower Power interview series, we sat down with Jason Ortiz, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project (LPP)—a national nonprofit committed to freeing every last cannabis prisoner and addressing the lasting harms of the War on Drugs.
Founded in 2019, LPP has grown into a powerful force for drug justice reform, clemency campaigns, and reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. Jason brought a unique and personal perspective to our conversation, sharing both sobering facts and uplifting stories of second chances, community, and real systemic change.
Cannabis Reform Must Include Justice
While the legal cannabis industry continues to expand across the U.S., the criminal justice system has been slower to change. As Jason explained, LPP was created because legalization efforts were not translating into freedom for those still serving time for cannabis-related offenses—despite those same activities now being perfectly legal in many states.
“We get reports of 10 to 12 people released every week, and yet the media often only highlights major pardons,” Jason shared. “But we’ve already reclaimed almost 400 years of human life.”
LPP provides incarcerated individuals with legal aid, commissary support, family assistance, and crucial reentry grants for housing and transportation. Beyond logistical help, LPP creates a community of support and empowerment, bringing formerly incarcerated individuals to Washington, D.C. to advocate for legislative change.
A Mission Fueled by Personal Experience
Jason’s passion for drug justice is deeply personal. He was arrested for cannabis possession in high school and expelled at just 16 years old. “They tried to charge me with intent to sell to a minor,” he explained, despite no actual sale taking place. “From that day on, I knew the system was broken.”
His arrest was the beginning of a long journey through the justice system—but also the spark that led him to become an advocate. Through organizations like Students for Sensible Drug Policy, he turned his anger into action, eventually helping to reverse federal penalties that once barred people with cannabis convictions from receiving financial aid for college.
Stories That Inspire Change
Some of the most moving parts of our conversation were Jason’s stories about the individuals and families LPP has supported. One powerful example: Donte West, a former inmate who secured his own release through relentless legal work. After his release, he helped free Kyle Page, who is now a cannabis business owner in New Jersey. Together, they later helped free Deshawn Durham, who joined them to speak in front of the White House during LPP’s Unity Week.
“These stories show that this work isn’t just about paperwork,” Jason said. “It’s about people reclaiming their lives—and then pulling others out with them.”
The Path Forward: Federal Action Needed
While state-level wins have been significant, Jason noted that federal progress has stalled. “We’ve hit a wall. The South isn’t moving. The real fight now is at the federal level,” he said.
LPP is currently focused on passing three critical bipartisan bills:
- The PREPARE Act, which would create a federal commission to chart the path to national cannabis legalization.
- The STATES 2.0 Act, which would protect existing cannabis programs from federal interference.
- The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act, which would finally allow federal agencies to publish positive cannabis research findings—currently prohibited by law.
“The goal is full federal legalization, and we’re going to get there. But it requires unity across the industry and the movement,” Jason emphasized.
How You Can Help
The best way to get involved? Head to lastprisonerproject.org. Whether you’re interested in writing letters to currently incarcerated individuals, donating, or volunteering at events like Unity Week, there’s a way for everyone to support the mission.
“Every letter, every dollar, every voice counts,” Jason said. “This isn’t just policy—it’s people.”
🌿 About Flower Power
Flower Power is LeafLink’s ongoing interview series celebrating the changemakers, advocates, and organizations using cannabis to drive positive impact in their communities. We’re looking to highlight organizations that are making a positive impact in their local community or the cannabis industry. Know of a company that needs to be spotlighted? We’d love to hear about them, send us an email at marketing@leaflink.com.
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