Reflecting on Donte West Cannabis Justice Day: A Celebration of Hope and Remembrance
As we look back on Donte West Cannabis Justice Day, which took place on April 20th, we honor the incredible journey of Donte Westmoreland, also known as Donte West, and his dedication to cannabis justice. The Kansas City mayor and city council recognized this day to celebrate West’s work and remember those still incarcerated for marijuana-related charges.
Donte West’s Story: A Fight for Justice and Freedom
Donte West served five years in prison in Kansas for marijuana-related charges before being exonerated in 2021. Since his release, he has been actively involved in cannabis justice efforts both in Kansas City, where he now resides, and nationwide.
West’s ordeal began when he visited Kansas with friends in 2016. At the age of 23, he was living in California, serving as the caretaker for his grandmother and two younger brothers. Unfortunately, West was caught up in a drug house raid and faced four felony charges, despite not being involved.
During his trial, West’s public defender was unprepared due to illness, and the case could not be continued. As a result, West was sentenced to seven years and 8 months on two charges: conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Persistence and Clemency
While in prison, West joined a group that studied the law and reached out to all 125 state representatives and 40 senators in Kansas about his case. Former Kansas State Rep. Willie Dove visited West in prison, and along with other Kansas legislators, wrote letters to the governor asking for clemency or a sentence reduction. Westmoreland filed a motion that eventually led to his exoneration in 2021.
A New Mission: Supporting the Incarcerated
Now, West leads community outreach efforts for Illicit Gardens, a cannabis business with a criminal justice advocacy focus. He also works with the Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit supporting individuals impacted by cannabis convictions through clemency, compassionate release, expungement, and reform.
In his work, West has gained support from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Barry Grissom, a former U.S. Attorney in Kansas, to identify individuals incarcerated for cannabis charges.
Donte West Cannabis Justice Day: Remembering the Incarcerated
Donte West never thought he would become a “voice for the voiceless.” As we reflect on the recent Donte West Cannabis Justice Day, let us remember the individuals still incarcerated for marijuana-related charges and the importance of continuing the fight for cannabis justice.
