Between the Black Lives Matter Movement and COVID-19, there’s a lot to reflect on these days. There’s a lot to learn about, a lot to think about, and a lot to be thankful for. At Organtica, we are feeling more inspired than ever to give back and support our community. We’ve thought a lot about our position, and how what we do intersects with the hardships that people of color in our community face. Here we are, providers and users of a substance that is now legal in 33 states in America. We’re pleasantly living our lives while others sit in prison cells for doing the same thing. There is no justice in this.

Currently, there are over 40,000 inmates in US prisons who were convicted of cannabis charges. The numbers also show a disproportionate number of these prisoners are people of color. Organtica has chosen to donate to the Last Prisoner Project, which aims to release all prisoners who are convicted of nonviolent cannabis charges. We ask that if you are able, you will consider donating as well. We will have a donation center at our clinics from June 19th – July 31st.

The Last Prisoner Project focuses on three key criminal justice reform initiatives: prisoner release, record clearing through clemency and expungement, and reentry programs. A core social justice focus is to release incarcerated cannabis prisoners. Data shows, however, that most released prisoners fail without the proper resources in place. Reentry programs reduce recidivism. A criminal record can be a significant barrier to employment, housing, financial assistance, and more, so we work to clear cannabis prisoners record, given that those acts are now legal. Collectively these programs help cannabis prisoners become “fully free.”

We thought it would be appropriate to kick off this campaign on Juneteenth.

Not sure what Juneteenth is? President Lincoln issued the famous Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, which stated that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves in America were free, and shall remain free. But it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers landed in Galveston, TX and spread the word that the slaves were now free. Although Juneteenth has been celebrated for over 100 years, it did not become an official holiday until January 1, 1980, in Texas. Today, it is recognized by 47 of the 50 states, New Mexico being one of them.

If you are unable to make a donation, but would still like to help, please visit the Last Prisoner Project website for other options.