Event Details
Cannabis Unity Week, scheduled from April 28th to May 1st, 2025, in Washington D.C., represents a concerted effort by a diverse coalition of advocates, industry leaders, and grassroots organizations to address the pressing issues surrounding cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform in the United States. This event aims to mobilize public pressure on Congress and the President to fully legalize cannabis and implement retroactive relief measures for those adversely affected by its criminalization.
Despite significant strides in cannabis policy reform—24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized adult-use cannabis, and a substantial portion of the U.S. population resides in areas with some form of legal cannabis—tens of thousands of individuals remain incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses. This disparity highlights the urgent need for comprehensive federal action to deschedule cannabis and rectify the injustices perpetuated by its prohibition.
The federal government’s consideration of downgrading cannabis from a Schedule I drug underscores the critical juncture at which advocates must push for complete legalization. Descheduling cannabis is essential not only to eliminate criminal penalties but also to develop effective strategies that address and undo the historical harms caused by its criminalization.
Event Objectives
Cannabis Unity Week seeks to achieve several key objectives:
1. Full Legalization of Cannabis: Advocating for the removal of cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, thereby eliminating federal prohibitions and allowing states to regulate cannabis without federal interference.
2. Retroactive Relief Measures: Implementing policies that provide relief to individuals convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses, including expungement of records, release from incarceration, and reintegration support.
3. Bipartisan Collaboration: Bringing together stakeholders across the political spectrum to foster a unified approach to cannabis reform, emphasizing that this is not a partisan issue but a matter of justice and public health.
Event Schedule and Activities
The week-long series of events is designed to educate, engage, and empower participants:
– April 27th: Arrival and Preparation
Participants arrive in Washington D.C., with opportunities to network and prepare for the upcoming activities.
– April 28th: Education Day and Community Gathering
A day dedicated to educating attendees on the current state of cannabis laws, the impact of criminalization, and the pathways to reform. The evening features a community gathering to foster solidarity among participants.
– April 29th: Press Conference and Lobby Training
The morning begins with a press conference featuring advocates and lawmakers discussing the imperative for reform. In the afternoon, participants receive training on effective lobbying techniques to prepare for meetings with legislators.
– April 30th: Lobby Day
Attendees engage in scheduled meetings with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for the outlined objectives, sharing personal stories and presenting data to support policy changes.
– May 1st: White House Gathering: Victims of the War on Cannabis
An evening event at the White House to honor and highlight individuals and families affected by cannabis criminalization, aiming to humanize the issue and appeal to policymakers’ sense of justice.
The 2025 Cannabis Unity Week builds upon the momentum of prior initiatives. Notably, on April 18th, 2024, the largest bipartisan coalition of cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations convened in Washington D.C. for a Unity Day of Action. This event featured a congressional lobby day and a vigil at the White House, calling for full legalization and retroactive relief for those incarcerated due to cannabis offenses. The collective efforts of advocates, celebrities, and lawmakers during this event led to significant developments, including the announcement of rescheduling efforts and a historic pardon action by the U.S. President.
Call to Action
Participation in Cannabis Unity Week is open to all individuals and organizations committed to advancing cannabis reform and justice. Early registration is encouraged, especially for those seeking travel and lodging scholarships. Interested parties can complete the interest form and register for public information sessions scheduled for March 5th and April 2nd, where detailed information will be shared, and questions addressed.
For those unable to attend in person, there are several ways to support the initiative:
– Send a Letter to Your Representatives: Utilize provided templates to contact senators and representatives, urging them to support cannabis decriminalization and retroactive relief measures.
– Share on Social Media: Amplify the message by sharing graphics and information from the media toolkit, raising awareness, and encouraging others to take action.
– Engage in Local Advocacy: Organize or participate in local events and discussions to educate communities about the importance of cannabis reform and its societal implications.
Cannabis Unity Week 2025 represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for equitable cannabis policies in the United States. By uniting a diverse array of stakeholders, the event aims to catalyze meaningful legislative action that addresses both the future of cannabis legalization and the rectification of past injustices. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, participants will contribute to shaping a more just and rational approach to cannabis policy.
For more information and to get involved, visit the official Cannabis Unity Week page.
Source: Last Prisoner Project
