Dutchie, a technology platform powering cannabis commerce, has recently announced a new partnership with the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit organization committed to undoing the harms of the failed war on drugs and releasing people imprisoned for cannabis charges. This article will discuss how the partnership will work and how Dutchie’s $100,000 donation will help redress the harms of cannabis prohibition.
Coordination and Support:
The partnership will include coordination and support across several of Last Prisoner Project’s efforts, including expungement of criminal records, re-entry support, criminal justice public policy reform, industry event coordination, and technological avenues to increase charitable contributions. Dutchie will leverage its network of thousands of dispensary partners to make an even greater impact as part of the company’s commitment to the partnership.
Donation:
To kickstart the partnership, Dutchie donated $100,000 to the Last Prisoner Project and pledged to match $1 million in donations from their dispensary partners and cannabis consumers. Dutchie’s commitment to advancing needed criminal justice reforms is a significant step forward in redressing the harms of cannabis prohibition.
CEO’s Commitment:
Ross Lipson, CEO & Co-Founder of Dutchie, stated, “Dutchie is committed to having a positive impact on the future of the cannabis industry and the broad benefits it is bringing to society. We cannot erase past injustices that people and communities have experienced as a result of decades of failed cannabis policy. But, we can work to bring restitution to those who have been harmed by supporting their release from incarceration and giving them a new lease on life.”
Cannabis Industry:
While cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, too many people, primarily people of color, remain behind bars for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Black Americans are 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis, highlighting the need for equity and justice to be at the center of propelling the industry forward. Dutchie aims to create safe and easy access while advancing the positive change cannabis brings to the world.
Last Prisoner Project:
The Last Prisoner Project was founded in 2019 by cannabis industry leaders, criminal and social justice advocates, policy, and education experts. The organization is committed to freeing every last prisoner of the unjust war on drugs, starting with the estimated 40,000 individuals imprisoned for cannabis. Mary Bailey, managing director of Last Prisoner Project, stated, “More than 15.7 million Americans have been arrested for nonviolent cannabis crimes in the last two decades. Some of whom are serving life sentences without parole. Together, we’ll help give people and families their lives back.”
Commitment to Social Equity:
In addition to the partnership with the Last Prisoner Project, Dutchie’s social equity program supports BIPOC and women-led dispensaries through training and marketing stipends. Dutchie is also a member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Dutchie’s commitment to social equity highlights their dedication to advancing needed criminal justice reforms in the cannabis industry.
