Public Defenseless 11: Is the Cannabis Industry Falling Short in its Fight? with Steve DeAngelo
Right now, approximately 40,000 people are incarcerated for cannabis-related charges, while others are making millions of dollars in the legal industry.
Steve DeAngelo, often considered "the father of the legal industry," has been fighting for reform since the 1970s.
In today's episode, Steve is here to talk about his work to reform both the cannabis industry and state laws through his organization the Last Prisoner Project.
He'll disprove the common misconceptions around cannabis while teaching you the spirit of the plant.
Steve will leave you with a clear image of the ideal cannabis industry and will also give you arguments for cannabis reform to keep in your back pocket.
Just by listening to this episode and sharing the information, you can be a part of the change!
Key Topics and Takeaways:
- What the Last Prisoner Project is and why it's important. [10:33]
- Decriminalization vs. full legalization. [19:53]
- Bringing people who were harmed by cannabis prohibition into the legal industry. [22:19]
- Protecting yourself against the predatory cannabis industry. [29:56]
- Should cannabis reform be a primary issue? [31:40]
- The importance of coalition building. [33:53]
- Exploring faith-based opposition. [40:03]
- Legalization of other psychoactive plants. [49:48]
Guest:
Steve DeAngelo, Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry, Founder of Harborside Dispensary, Founder of the Last Prisoner Project
Resources:
Memorable Quotes:
"Every governor in the United States of America has the power to release cannabis prisoners with the stroke of a pen. And we believe that, especially in states where voters have voted to legalize cannabis, that every governor should do so." (12:49, Steve)
"I think that mobilizing people to defend their right to be able to grow cannabis in their own homes is pretty achievable." (31:2, Steve)
"I believe that cannabis is more than just another product. There's no other product that teaches us lessons and that gives us a common value system." (35:55, Steve)
"When you look at the cannabis plant across the breadth of human history, what you find is that every single human culture on this planet has adopted and used this planet successfully almost without exception." (43:13, Steve)
"When you look at the total range of substances that are out there, there's no question that cannabis should not be illegal. It should not be restricted. In fact, cannabis use should be celebrated and promoted because it gives social benefits rather than harms." (50:48, Steve)
"My belief is that if more people around the world consume cannabis, that we're going to end up living in a better world." (58:37, Steve)