The War on Drugs, although somewhat waning, has not been without repercussions in the fallout of its implementation. Following decades of stigmatization, criminalization, and punitive measures surrounding cannabis, many Americans are still paying the price today for growing or carrying this mighty leaf. The Last Prisoner Project is a one-of-a-kind organization that fights back against injustices related to the possession, growth, and sales of cannabis. Read on to learn about the admirable efforts of LPP and how you can support them when you shop at Bud & Rita’s with our Round-Up For Freedom this July!
Within the last two decades, over 15 million people have been arrested for marijuana offenses in the United States. While the value of the industry grew to over $35 billion in 2025, LPP estimates about 40,000 people are in prison for nonviolent possession or sales charges. There are strong racial disparities amongst these charges, with one study stating that Black Americans are over 3x more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than White Americans. With stop and frisk laws that tend to target American minorities, and differences in punitive measures between states, racial discrimination is an important factor to consider when evaluating a state’s response to how they handle cannabis offenses.
In order to combat these injustices, LPP has a wide range of programs that work to provide legal, social, and mental support to the many Americans imprisoned for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Their cannabis clemency program provides legal assistance for those seeking to create or push forward release petitions; while their compassionate release and sentencing programs match up LPP’s patrons to attorneys that can help with these means. Beyond providing legal aid to its constituents, LPP has a variety of social assistance programs to ensure that patrons aren’t alone in their fight for freedom. To support those still behind bars, LPP has a commissary fund and a letter-writing program that can remind those in prison that their struggle has not been forgotten. LPP’s advocacy doesn’t stop at the prison yard – the organization also provides grants for essential needs post-release and boasts an amazing Cannabis Industry Educational Program that can help integrate past prisoners into a stable job in the world of marijuana.
This July, Bud & Rita’s is proud to announce our Round-Up for Freedom across all locations in Illinois. When you shop at your favorite Bud & Rita’s, you will get the opportunity to round-up your total at check-out; these funds will all go to help support the various programs that LPP manages. Next time you experience your well-deserved freedom to enjoy nature’s mighty plant, take a minute to remember those who were not so lucky. Write a letter, make a donation, or simply read one of the many stories that LPP has shared – and remember: nobody is free until all of us are free!
