Round Up for Cannabis Reform

In recent years, the debate surrounding the legalization and reform of cannabis laws has picked up steam in many parts of the world. The potential economic benefits of a thriving legalized cannabis industry cannot be overstated, but the social justice implications of reform are also paramount.

Countless individuals have been incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses, their lives impacted in ways that are often irreversible. That's why Zen Leaf Dispensary is proud to be a partner of the Mission Green Initiative, an organization dedicated to advocating for the compassionate release of nonviolent cannabis offenders.

Support Mission Green at Zen Leaf Starting September 5

Our 2022 partnership with Mission Green was focused on the first Friday of the month. This year, we're offering you the chance to help generate change every day of the week.

Every time you make a purchase at one of our dispensaries, you can choose to round up your total to the nearest dollar, with the additional money going directly to the Mission Green Initiative. This may seem like a small gesture, but it can add up quickly and make a real difference in the lives of those who have been unfairly impacted by cannabis laws.

Now that you know how to donate, dive into why we are ardent supporters and partners of this impactful organization:

The Mission Green Initiative

The current state of cannabis laws in many parts of the world is unjust and out of step with the times. Despite the proven medical benefits of cannabis and the potential economic benefits of legalization, many people are still being locked up for nonviolent cannabis crimes. This is a tragedy that has gone on for far too long. It's time for real change in the way we approach this issue, and Weldon Angelos is leading the way with the Mission Green Initiative.

Mission Green is dedicated to promoting social justice and criminal justice reform in the context of cannabis laws. The Mission Green project aims to engage the cannabis community in a countrywide movement focused on aiding individuals adversely affected by the criminalization of marijuana. The hallmark of Mission Green is clemency for cannabis offenses, aiming to facilitate the release of incarcerated persons serving sentences for outdated cannabis crimes. In addition to clemency, Mission Green lays the groundwork for potential pardons and record expungements, enabling affected individuals to regain their footing in society. The program further extends legal guidance, post-release integration plans, and other essential services for those who have been released but lack access to legal representation. This is a noble cause, and a personal one for Weldon.

Weldon's Story

Weldon himself was incarcerated as a first-time cannabis offender after selling cannabis to an informant. The transactions, which collectively amounted to $300 and slightly over a pound of cannabis, were inflated into 20 federal offenses by the legal system, five of which mandated a staggering 105 years of incarceration.

Ultimately, Weldon was found guilty on 15 out of the 20 counts, mandating a 55-year prison term. Remarkably, this was his inaugural legal offense, and certainly his first involving cannabis. The severity of the sentence drew widespread attention, uniting political figures from opposing parties in Washington, D.C. in a rare show of solidarity.

The case also deeply resonated with the presiding Judge Cassell, who was a conservative appointee from the era of President George W. Bush. He characterized Weldon's 55-year prison term as "inhumane, unfair, and devoid of logic." Following the sentencing, Judge Cassell took the extraordinary step of resigning his lifetime judicial appointment to campaign for Weldon's release.

After over a decade of concerted efforts from politicians like Cory Booker, celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, and cannabis activists, Weldon was finally granted freedom, after serving 13 years for his first-time marijuana offense.

Shop Zen Leaf September 5th and Round Up for Cannabis Reform

We at Zen Leaf are committed to promoting social justice and criminal justice reform. That's why we are proud to partner with the Mission Green Initiative, an organization dedicated to securing the compassionate release of nonviolent cannabis offenders. Through donations and education, we hope to make a real impact in the lives of those who have been unfairly impacted by cannabis laws. We believe that it is time for real change in the way we approach this issue, and we are honored to be a part of the movement. Thank you for joining us in this important mission, and we look forward to continuing to work together for cannabis reform.

Shop your local Zen Leaf starting September 5th to join the cannabis reform movement today.