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RAW Rolling Papers’ Donation to Last Prisoner Project Provides Profound, Real-Life Impacts

Stephen Post • Mar 21, 2024

The company’s $100,000 donation to Last Prisoner Project in December of last year has already made big impacts to those most affected by the War on Drugs.


PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 26, 2024) – HBI International, established independent and international producers of the RAW® brand of plant-based rolling papers and innovative smoking accessories, is honored to share that the company’s 2023 donation to Last Prisoner Project, is seeing profound impacts on individuals who have recently been released from incarceration on cannabis-related charges.


The company donated $100,000 to Last Prisoner Project, an organization that aims to free everyone incarcerated for cannabis charges through public education and advocacy, in December, 2023. Half of the funds were allocated to provide re-entry support for those recently released from prison on cannabis-related charges. The other half of the donation is allocated toward funding programs to assist those who were incarcerated under non-violent, cannabis-related crimes.


“While our customers are rolling up with our papers, thousands of people remain wrongfully jailed for nonviolent cannabis offenses,” said Josh Kesselman, founder and CEO of the company behind RAW. “We are proud to be part of the solution through our donations to Last Prisoner Project, an organization that is truly putting in the work to reform our criminal justice system.”


The Last Prisoner Project recently shared the real-life stories of constituents working to rebuild their lives who have been impacted by RAW’s donation. The affected individuals include Kyle Page, who spent six years incarcerated for a non-violent cannabis offense, and Stephanie Shepard, who was sentenced to ten years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for a first-time, non-violent cannabis offense. Shepard now serves as the Last Prisoner Project’s director of advocacy and chairwoman on the board of directors.


“We are grateful for the generous donation from Josh Kesselman and the team at RAW, which has helped us facilitate the liberation of non-violent cannabis offenders, as well as fund our push for systemic change,” said Mary Bailey, managing director at Last Prisoner Project. “In just a few short months, RAW’s donation has provided significant impacts to our organization.”


Officially launched in 2005, following years of research and development, RAW Rolling Papers has garnered a reputation for excellence. The minimalist branding, plant-based materials, and smooth smoking experience have elevated RAW into an iconic brand recognized around the world. RAW produces a large portfolio of rolling papers, cones, tips, apparel, and other smoking

gear.


The Last Prisoner Project was founded in 2019 with a mission to reform America’s policy of cannabis prohibition and free those incarcerated due to the impacts of the War on Drugs. The organization works toward policy changes, provides re-entry support to newly released individuals, and engages in direct advocacy for criminal justice reform.


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About RAW Rolling Papers

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and launched in 2005 by Josh Kesselman, RAW is an

independent, global brand producing plant-based rolling papers and other smoking accessories.

Their unbleached, slow-burning papers are the preferred product for millions of smokers. The

company is committed to sustainability and social good and, through its RAW Giving initiative,

has provided millions of dollars in direct cash contributions for many charities, including those

that work to provide access to clean water and rescue homeless pets. For more information, visit:

rawthentic.com.


About Last Prisoner Project

The Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs,

reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a

fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair

these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change.

Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more.


Media Contact:

Sadie Thompson

Proven Media

602-527-0794

sadie@provenmedia.com

Donte West Joins Jason Flom on Wrongful Conviction Podcast to Discuss His Unjust Cannabis Sentence

By Stephen Post • 26 Apr, 2024
Listen on: iHeartRadio | Pandora | Spotify | RSS On March 8, 2016, Officer Nicholas Blake became suspicious of two vehicles traveling together on Interstate 70 toward Manhattan, KS due to their appearance and registration inconsistencies. He suspected they were involved in drug trafficking, with one acting as a decoy. Following a series of stops and surveillances by multiple law enforcement officers, a considerable amount of marijuana and methamphetamine was found in one of the vehicles leading to the arrest of Donte Westmoreland and others. Westmoreland was convicted based largely on the testimony of an informant, Jacob Gadwood, who claimed to have bought marijuana from Donte, but the informant's credibility was later questioned, and a prosecutorial deal ensuring Gadwood would not be charged with a crime was never disclosed. Donte Westmoreland is a decriminalization and anti-incarceration advocate whose experience with the criminal justice system changed his life forever. With a no criminal record score, and nothing illegal in his possession, Donte was arrested and convicted on charges that were later overturned. He spent three years imprisoned, where with the support of the facility's Warden and staff, he worked to fight his charges and also spoke to area teens about his experience with law enforcement and the courts. He was released on October 15, 2020 and is re-establishing his life in northern California where he works with the Last Prisoner Project to help free anyone incarcerated on cannabis related charges. Learn more about Donte in recent stories by Cannabis & Tech , Missouri Independent , and ABC . To learn more and get involved, visit: https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/ https://fromtheearth.com/missouri/independence-menu/?dtche%5Bpath%5D=brands%2Fwest-by-illicit We started the Wrongful Conviction podcast to provide a voice to innocent people in prison. We want to hear your voices, too. So call us at 833-207-4666 and leave us a message. Tell us how these powerful, often tragic and sometimes triumphant, stories make you feel. Shocked? Inspired? Motivated? We want to know! We may even include your story in a future episode. And hey, the more of you that join in, the more power our collective voices will have. So tell a friend to listen and to call us too at 833-207-4666. Wrongful Conviction is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Prisoner Project Endorses Bipartisan HOPE Act for State Cannabis Conviction Expungements

By Stephen Post • 25 Apr, 2024
In a significant development in the realm of cannabis legislation, the Last Prisoner Project has thrown its support behind the bipartisan Harnessing Opportunity by Pursuing Expungement (HOPE) Act. This crucial legislation aims to rectify the injustices caused by cannabis convictions, particularly in states where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized. Introduced initially in the House by Congressman Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) in 2023, the HOPE Act sought to address the pervasive barriers faced by individuals burdened with cannabis-related convictions. Recognizing the urgent need for reform, the Last Prisoner Project endorsed the House version, emphasizing its commitment to advocating for criminal justice reform and equitable opportunities for those impacted by past cannabis convictions. Fast forward to April 2024, and the HOPE Act takes a new form as Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) introduces the Senate version. With a focus on expunging cannabis convictions in legalized or decriminalized states, the Senate version of the HOPE Act aims to establish a federal grant program to cover the costs of expungements or sealing records. Senator Rosen's initiative aligns with the goals of the Last Prisoner Project, which seeks to alleviate the burdens faced by individuals with cannabis-related convictions, particularly in states like Nevada. Stephen Post, Communicatoins Manager at Last Prisoner Project, emphasized the importance of the HOPE Act in providing a second chance to those affected by state-level marijuana possession arrests. "Countless Americans shoulder the enduring weight of a criminal record – often stemming from minor infractions like a marijuana possession or conspiracy charge. This label becomes a barrier to housing, employment, public benefits, and educational opportunities, consigning many to a cycle of poverty," said Post. "These outdated policies impede progress in our communities, affecting us all. The HOPE Act offers a beacon of relief by aiding states in clearing these unjust hurdles, particularly by streamlining the process through automation. We commend Representatives Joyce and Ocasio-Cortez for prioritizing pragmatism over partisanship, and we eagerly anticipate further collaboration to advance this vital reform." The Last Prisoner Project's endorsement of both the House and Senate versions underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to addressing the injustices perpetuated by cannabis criminalization. We are optimistic that as more states have passed legalization, record expungement will continue to become more commonplace. Our 2023 State of Cannabis Justice Report showed, 24 states have enacted cannabis-specific record clearance laws, and 10 have enacted cannabis-specific resentencing laws. Our work in states throughout the country has shown us the jurisdictions need additional resources to implement these policies even after passing legislation As the HOPE Act gains momentum in Congress, propelled by bipartisan support and advocacy from organizations like the LPP and efforts like our recent 420 Unity Day of Action , there is renewed support for individuals burdened by past cannabis convictions. With each endorsement, the call for comprehensive cannabis reform grows louder, signaling a step closer towards justice, equity, and redemption for all.

Last Prisoner Project Mobilizes Largest Coalition of Bipartisan Cannabis Advocates to Washington, DC during Cannabis Summit

By Stephen Post • 19 Apr, 2024
Congressional Leaders, Grassroots Organizations & Cannabis Industry Activists Call for Decriminalization during 420 Unity Day of Action Multi-Day Activism Concludes with Moving White House Candlelight Vigil Honoring those Still Incarcerated and their Families PRESS HERE to Download Photos + Videos from the Week’s Events Washington D.C., April 19 – Over the past several days, Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has been mobilizing the largest coalition of bipartisan cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, as well as individual activists to convene in Washington D.C. for a 420 Unity Day of Action . A number of lobbying events applied public pressure on Congress and President Biden, encouraging them to take action to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison and clear cannabis-related convictions. Although 24 states and D.C. have legalized adult-use cannabis sales and the vast majority of the U.S. population now lives in states with some form of legal cannabis, tens of thousands of people remain in state and federal prison and millions still suffer the collateral consequences of a criminal record for the same activity others now profit from. Advocates were joined by several elected officials who have been leading the fight for cannabis reform including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) who spoke during Wednesday’s press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol, and the next day Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) spoke to advocates at the Capitol Visitor Center before Lobby Day meetings with elected officials from both parties including Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York), Sen. Kirsten Sinema (D-Arizona), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Sen. Bill Cassiday (R-Louisiana), Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia), and others to call for the full legalization of cannabis, the removal of criminal penalties and retroactive relief. Specifically, advocates called on lawmakers to co-sponsor one of the three pieces of legislation which would federally legalize cannabis, the MORE Act , States Rights Act , and the soon to be re-introduced CAOA , as well as the HOPE Act , which was introduced in the Senate on Thursday and would provide funding for state-level expungement programs. Capping off 48 hours of lobbying and activism, formerly incarcerated LPP constituents Bryan Reid , Kyle Page , Donte West and Andy Cox , and families of those still incarcerated including Mitzi Wall and Alicia Deals , were joined by hundreds of advocates for a candlelight vigil in front of the White House to honor all those harmed by cannabis criminalization. Throughout the week, directly-impacted advocates were joined by celebrity voices including Rosario Dawson, M-1 of Dead Prez, and JoJo Simmons who used their platforms to spread the calls to decriminalize far beyond the capital. This advocacy work to broaden the movement and get people engaged on these issues will continue throughout the weekend as the 4/20 Unity events culminate with the National Cannabis Festival taking place today and tomorrow (April 19-20) at RFK Campus Festival Grounds which includes educational panels and a fireside chat with Last Prisoner Project Board Member M-1 . The weekend will conclude with a concert headlined by Thundercat and Wu-Tang Clan with Last Prisoner Project Ambassador Redman . To join the fight for cannabis justice, contact your elected officials by sending them a letter and calling their offices urging them to decriminalize cannabis now. Photo Credit: Ben Droz The bipartisan advocacy groups that joined LPP this week included: Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) ( @drugpolicyalliance )⁣⁣ Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) ( @ssdpofficial )⁣⁣ NORML ( @natlnorml )⁣⁣ Veterans Cannabis Coalition ( @veteranscannacoalition )⁣⁣ Parabola Center ( @parabolacenter )⁣⁣ Reason Foundation⁣⁣ Law Enforcement Action Partnership⁣⁣ (LEAP) ( @leactionpartnership ) National Cannabis Festival ( @natlcannabisfest )⁣⁣ National Craft Cannabis Coalition⁣⁣ ( @nationalcraftcannabiscoalition ) National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)⁣⁣ ( @nationalcannabisindustry ) Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)⁣⁣ ( @mincannbusassoc ) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) ( @indigenouscannabisindustry )⁣⁣ Asian Cannabis Roundtable⁣⁣ ( @asiancannabisroundtable ) National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) ( @nabcl_llc ) FreedomGrow ( @FreedomGrowForever ) Marijuana Justice ( @thcjusticenow ) Doctors for Drug Policy Reform ( @d4dprorg ) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) ( @ufcwunion ) Bay Area Latino Cannabis Alliance (BALCA) ( @balca_bayarea ) Supernova Women ( @supernovawomen ) Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( @m4mmunited ) Better Organizing for Winning Legalization ( @thebowlpac ) Midwest Cannawomen ( @midwestcannawomen ) DCMJ ( @DCMJ2014 ) Just Leadership USA (JLUSA) ( @justleadershipusa ) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( @nacdl ) United For Decrim Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) ( @marijuanapolicyproject ) ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change. Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more. Follow Last Prisoner Project: Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Facebook For Media Inquiries: Linda Carbone & Katie Leggett PRESS HERE linda@presshereproductions.com | katie@pressherepublicity.com Stephen Post Last Prisoner Project’s Strategic Communications Manager stephen@lastprsionerproject.org | press@lastprisonerproject.org
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