MLK: "Stand up for freedom together"

January 17, 2025  l  Sign Me Up

Corvain Cooper had a dream.

To be freed from prison for the nonviolent cannabis crime that netted him a life sentence.

While he was released on 1/20/21, the co-founder and Chief Brand Ambassador of 40 Tons can't rest while there are tens of thousands of men and women like him still incarcerated.

Martin Luther King, Jr. speaks at the 1963 March on Washington. Source: Giphy News / via giphy.com

Today, President Joe Biden announced he will commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 drug offenders, during one of his last days in office. Marijuana social justice activists awaited clarity to see if – and which –prisoners benefitted from Biden's historical move to grant clemency.

Now released, this wave of pardons includes 9 cannabis prisoners supported by Freedom Grow, 40 Tons and Last Prisoner Project:

• Ernesto Carreón
• Kerry Collier
• Melvin Garland
• Albert Madrid
• Claudio Martinez
• John Patrick Newton
• Jose Sepulveda
• Robert James Thomas
• Leonel Villasenor

While the industry celebrates, those who remain imprisoned are not forgotten.

"It's cool, 2,500 people got freed, but what about Parker Coleman, Mohamed Taher, Edwin Rubis, Dos Noun, Pedro Moreno, Rafael Hernandez and the thousands of other cannabis offenders?" says Cooper.

Many are hopeful for more pardons among the recent wave of activity from the exiting administration.

Corvain Cooper and Anthony Alegrete of 40 Tons with the Ball Family Farms team at the 40 Tons Equity Row Intake Center activation at MJBizCon. Photo by MJBiz.

As we approach the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday and reflect upon what freedom and dreams mean to each of us, our hearts go out to all those impacted by the War on Drugs, recent L.A. wildfires and other tragedies.

For now we celebrate the wins.

But as Cooper says, "We're not free until we're all free."

Continuing to dream

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we're reflecting on this powerful message from the civil rights activist's oldest son Martin Luther King III. As Chairman of the Board of The Drum Major Institute, he is carrying on the family mission of eradicating what his father referred to as the triple evils: poverty, racism and violence.

As Chairman of the Board of The Drum Major Institute, he is carrying on the family mission of eradicating what his father referred to as the triple evils: poverty, racism and violence. Watch video >

C R E A T O R   S T O R I E S

Cultivate your network with THC Girls

Photos courtesy of THC Girls

Krysta Jones has been in the cannabis space for over 15 years, kicking it off in Denver when the market was at its most nascent. From "miscellaneous tasks and jobs at home grows," Krysta's passion for cultivation evolved to working closely with owners and operators.

From there, networking through events and brand promotion streamlined to founding The High Country Girls (a.k.a. THC Girls) and The Highly Connected app.

"My goal has always been to elevate the industry by showcasing its innovation and cultural depth," Krysta says.

THC Girls' top takeaways from MJBizCon

"The show is such a perfect blend of business opportunities, educational sessions and networking." Krysta's top takeaways?

1. Networking takes us higher! "As the markets continue to establish and settle, it's more and more important for people to be involved in the business side of cannabis."
   
   
2. Stay ahead of industry trends. "MJBizCon is a hub for innovation, a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking products that push the industry forward."

As an official MJBizCon Content Creator, catch THC Girls' show highlights on social at @thehighcountrygirls.

Sesh at MJBizCon 2025?

You already know!

"Getting face time and in-person experiences with those who you've been connecting with, working with, or intend to work with is priceless," Krysta says.

With thousands of cannabis professionals in Vegas for MJBizCon, "having one main event of the year enables me to be super effective in reaching the majority of who I need to annually."

The year has just started, but we're already counting down the days to reuniting with our canna-fam!

Find THC Girls at this year's MJBizCon December 2-5.

M J B I Z C O N   R E P L A Y

Missed a sesh?!

Whether you couldn't make it to Vegas, were busy making deals on the show floor or couldn't choose between sessions, we're rolling back some of the most impactful panels from MJBizCon.

MJBizCon Replay provides on-demand videos covering three tracks:

• Retail+Brand
• Cultivation
• Business+Policy

Start the new year strong with these key insights! Order now and get these MJBizCon recordings in your inboxes next week.

R E S O U R C E S

• MJBizMagazine: Breaking Through to Profitability
• MJBizCon Replay – Access recorded conference sessions
• Make informed decisions with MJBiz Factbook – Get data
• MJBiz Free Cannabis 101 Course – Sign up and start learning
• MJBizDaily Reports and Buyers Guides – Download
• MJBiz Media Kit – Advertise with us

All the Buzz about MJBizCon is brought to you by Lena Erauda

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MJBizCon 2025

Dec. 2-5, 2024  l  Las Vegas, NV  |  Learn More