This Black History Month, Rescheduling Alone Isn’t Enough While Cannabis Prisoners Stay Locked Up

While federal rescheduling is a massive win for common-sense drug policy, Stephanie Shepard of the Last Prisoner Project reminds us that a change on paper doesn't automatically fix the past. Rescheduling acknowledges that cannabis isn't as dangerous as once claimed, yet it fails to release those currently serving time for non-violent offenses or clear the records of those already released. For many in the Black community, the "War on Drugs" remains a daily reality through housing and job barriers, even as a multibillion-dollar legal industry flourishes. Shepard argues that true justice requires retroactive relief, automatic expungement, and real support for those re-entering society.

For everyday tokers, this is a vital reality check. We get to enjoy the benefits of a growing legal market, but the foundation of that market shouldn't be built on the backs of those still behind bars. Supporting efforts like the Last Prisoner Project ensures our community’s progress includes everyone, not just those with the capital to open a shop. Truly ending prohibition means making sure nobody is still being punished for a plant we now celebrate.