By Vyla Carter
Around 40,000 Americans are in prison for cannabis-related offenses. Last Prisoner Project is helping to get these people released, while also educating others on criminal and social justice, and drug policy efforts.
You can contribute to Last Prisoner Project’s mission by volunteering, donating, or sponsoring them. One great way to contribute is through writing a letter to the incarcerated people they are helping.
Writing these people gives them a way to communicate with others outside of prison. Many of them have not been able to talk to those outside of prison since March because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
How to Write a Letter to Those in Prison for Cannabis Offenses:
What to do when writing a letter to a currently incarcerated cannabis prisoner
Introduce yourself and discuss what you are interested in, like your hobbies and what music you like. Also, feel free to include how you heard about the person, why you are interested in cannabis justice activism, and why and how you are fighting for them.
When addressing the letter only use a plain white envelope. On the outside of the envelope always make sure to include your pen pal’s full name, their six-digit prison ID number, the name of the institution they are in, and your full name and return address.
What not to do when writing a letter to an incarcerated person
The restrictions on what you can include and not include and a letter are tight. Be diligent and follow all the guidelines provided.
Make sure to not include any stickers, tape, glue, glitter, fragrance, or any other type of decoration on the envelope or letter. Drawings and markings should also be excluded as they can be misconstrued as secret code or inappropriate content. The letters must be plain other than the actual writing. Also, it should exclude any popup/out content.
Finally, all ingoing and outgoing prison mail is subject to inspection, so do not include anything you would not want others to read.
Who to write
Last Prisoner Project has a range of pen-pals you can write. For the full list of who to write, visit their website. Here are a few of the people you can write:
Corvain Cooper
#64301-112
USP Pollock
US Penitentiary
P.O. Box 2099
Pollock, LA. 71465
Corvain is sentenced for life under the three-strikes law even though what he was arrested for would be considered a misdemeanor now in California. The US Supreme Court denied his appeal, but he still hopes for executive clemency. He currently sits on Last Prisoner Project’s board.
John Knock
#11150-017
FCI Fairton
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 420
Fairton, NJ. 08320
John has served 23 years of a life sentence for importing cannabis in the 70’s and 80’s. Even the sentencing judge admitted that the crimes John was arrested for were victimless.
Michael Thompson
#176309
Muskegon Correctional Facility
2400 S. Sheridan Drive
Muskegon, MI. 49442-6298
Michael has served 25 years of a life sentence for selling three pounds of cannabis to a police informant in Michigan. Weed is now legalized in Michigan, so he continues to fight for clemency from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Michael Pelletier
#11109-036
USP Terre Haute
U.S. Penitentiary
P.O. Box 33
Terra Haute, IN. 47808
Michael consumed cannabis for the therapeutic benefits after losing his legs at a young age. After two prior marijuana charges, he was arrested for importing cannabis from Canada to the United States. He is serving life in prison and is also a self-taught artist.
In Conclusion
Writing a letter to these people is a great start when it comes to fighting for criminal justice reform. Although it may seem small, it makes a big difference for the person who is receiving the letter.
Remember the prison mail system can be slow — it can take several weeks to get a response. Be patient! It is also important to know that even if you follow all guidelines, your mail still may be returned.
To learn more about cannabis prisoner reform and how to write a letter to a cannabis prisoner, visit Last Prisoner Project.
Register for our next LPP letter writing happy hour here.
Make sure to become a CMA member to learn more about cannabis marketing and how cannabis marketers can help those in prison from marijuana-related crimes!
