5 minute read
The Aftermath of Incarceration
The Devastating Aftermath of Incarceration
By Gina Kranwinkel, President and CEO, NACB
Imagine paying for a crime for the rest of your life. You’ve paid your dues, and now you’re ready to begin life as a free American again.
But it doesn’t work that way.
The label “felon” restricts your every move, lessening your civil liberties. You’re out of prison but never truly free.
This cruel awakening is the reality for ex-offenders. The cannabis industry is focused on releasing those in prison for nonviolent cannabisrelated offenses, but equal attention is needed for the devastating aftermath of incarceration.
That’s the reality for Shepard.
Now with a purposeful career at The Last Prisoner Project, she’s an inspiring woman who paid her debt to society — only to come home to more suffering, devastation, and heartbreak. On a first-time, non-violent conspiracy charge, Shepard was sentenced to 10 years — the mandatory minimum. Shepard entered prison at age 41.
“My term wasn’t 10 years — it was a life sentence.”
Her sentence would prevent her from starting a family and denied her precious time with her aging father, who died before her release. She was not allowed to see him before he passed. However, she was allowed to attend his funeral, unescorted, and then she walked right back into prison — as if she never left.
Once she was finally released, she had tremendous pressure to function in society immediately.
“I had to get a job in two weeks, I took the first job I had the confidence to apply to, a coffee shop,” she said. “I went in with an ankle monitor on and could only work from this time to this time. At 51 years old, being at a coffee shop felt like a disappointment, but I didn’t have the emotional strength to explain to another person how I ended up as a felon, and would you please give me a chance.”
“I walk differently in these shoes, I’m overly cautious as I am afraid of going back to prison,” said Shepard. “I still struggle when I see a dispensary and know that people are in there providing for their families and creating
(Top) Stephanie Shepard with her father, pictured prior to her incarceration. (Bottom) Shepard now works with The Last Prisoner Project to help others imprisoned for non-violent cannabis offenses.
intergenerational wealth … while other people are in prison like me. The disparity is so great.”
“I always tell people, it can happen to you,” says Shepard. “Technically, federally, every single person in those dispensaries could go to jail.”
“Following the law to the letter and not the spirit of the law almost ruined my life… I was the first white-collar criminal in the history of cannabis to receive a felony because of my white-collar position…” — Nichole West
With the rapid expansion of legalized cannabis in Colorado, Sweet Leaf dispensary was reaping the benefits as a consumer brand — until it wasn’t.
West was its vice president before the company’s license was revoked, and she was indicted on felony drug charges.
“The issue at hand is that there is no point in the law that draws a line in the sand and tells us can we sell [to an individual customer] once a day, once a week, or once every so many hours like so many other states … The law simply states “Per Transaction” and gives absolutely no clarity,” as West explained in correspondence to her attorney.
Sweet Leaf’s rise was as dramatic as its fall. In 2018, West served a 30-day sentence and nine months probation. She is now a felon.
West likens the aftermath of incarceration to being half a person. The stigma of being an ex-offender and the doors closed to housing, employment, friendships, and more have made it feel like she is still in prison. She imparted this wisdom related to what happened to her: • Don’t get comfortable. • The war on cannabis is not over. • If you are not willing to lose everything for this plant — perhaps it’s too early for you.
When the sentence is over, no one should continue to be a prisoner of their crimes. The voices of Shepard, West, and others trying to re-enter society after incarceration are sending a clear message: the federal and state judicial system must expunge and erase records, and federal legalization must occur.
Take action for every Stephanie Shepard and Nichole West. Visit nacb.com and send a support letter to your legislators. This is a call to action for expungement, erasure, and destruction — not just sealing — of criminal records. This is a call to eliminate the stigma of incarceration and find ways to welcome people in prison for cannabis back into society, allowing them to live free “in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness,” as is our right as Americans. ❖
Nichole West was the vice president of Sweet Leaf dispensary in Colorado. She served 30 days in prison on felony drug charges.
Sweet cherries, crisp apples, and juicy pears aren’t the only agricultural crops sprouting out of Washington. The Evergreen State is also a primary exporter of hops, cannabis, and spearmint. Cannabis contributed $1.85 billion to gross state product in 2020 according to research from Washington State University. Since legalizing adult-use sales in 2012, the sector has seen rapid growth. Washingtonians spent more on cannabis than alcohol last year, and almost $85 million more than they spent on tobacco products.
The state is also a global hub for information and communication technology. It’s the birthplace of Microsoft, Amazon, Zillow, and Expedia, just to name a few. Tech goliaths like Facebook, Google, Apple, and Twitter also call Washington home. The state’s Department of Commerce reported their tech sector employment has grown by 34% since 2010.
The technology and cannabis industries are colliding in Washington to produce some incredible innovations. From cutting-edge engineering to automated IT management, it’s a region brimming with ideas and opportunity.
In this Tech Zone, Cannabis & Tech Today takes a look at the West Coast cannabis hub to find the tech and people pushing the industry to new heights. If you’re considering relocating, Washington’s low taxes and affordable cost of living might lure you in. It’s also America’s top exporter of technology products. Whether you’re drawn to 157-miles of Pacific Ocean coastline or you’re looking to fill one of the nearly 19,000 cannabis-related jobs in the region, Washington has something for everyone. ❖
