Round Up for Cannabis Reform
In recent times, the discourse over the decriminalization and restructuring of cannabis legislation has gathered momentum globally. While the economic gains of a flourishing legalized cannabis sector are significant, the ethical imperatives of such changes are equally critical.
Many have faced imprisonment for non-aggressive cannabis-related offenses, enduring life-altering repercussions. MÜV Dispensary is honored to collaborate with the Mission Green Initiative, a cause committed to championing the humane release of individuals jailed for nonviolent cannabis infractions.
Support Mission Green at MÜV
Our alliance with Mission Green in 2022 centered on the first Friday of each month. In 2023, we're extending the opportunity for you to contribute to transformative cannabis change to every day of the week.
From September 15th and beyond, with any purchase at MÜV Dispensaries in Florida, you'll have the option to round up your total to the nearest dollar. These funds are donated directly to support Mission Green to support their efforts in cannabis reform. Though a round-up may feel inconsequential, these small donations can accumulate swiftly and make a tangible impact on those unjustly penalized by cannabis regulations.
In addition to at your local MÜV, our Zen Leaf sister dispensaries, too, are rounding up for cannabis reform and change. If you visit any of our recreational states, be sure to stop in to further your impact:
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
This cause is near and dear to us, and after learning (or refreshing yourself) on Mission Green's impact and story, we hope it will be for you, too.
Why We Stand With Mission Green
Cannabis laws around the world remain outmoded and fundamentally unfair. Despite the established medicinal advantages of cannabis and the economic windfall possible through legalization, countless individuals continue to be imprisoned for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses. This is a longstanding injustice that necessitates immediate rectification. Weldon Angelos and Mission Green are at the forefront of this battle.
Mission Green focuses on advancing social justice and criminal justice overhaul, specifically concerning cannabis legislation. The initiative engages the broader cannabis community in a nationwide crusade aimed at alleviating the plight of those negatively affected by marijuana prohibition. Key features include clemency measures for cannabis-related sentences, petitioning for pardons, and record expungements for those who have served time for cannabis crimes. The initiative also offers legal counsel, reintegration strategies, and other vital services for those recently released but without legal aid. This mission is not just noble; for Weldon, it's deeply personal.
Weldon's Experience
Weldon experienced firsthand the brunt of these archaic laws, having been imprisoned as a first-time offender for selling marijuana to an undercover agent. What amounted to $300 and just over a pound of cannabis was inflated into 20 federal charges, five of which came with an astonishing mandatory sentence of 105 years.
Weldon was convicted on 15 of these charges, leading to a 55-year mandatory sentence. This drew attention from both ends of the political spectrum in Washington, D.C., catalyzing a rare bipartisan alliance. Too, in a testament to this injustice, Judge Cassell, a conservative jurist appointed during the George W. Bush administration, deemed Weldon's sentence to be "excessive, unreasonable, and lacking common sense." Post-sentencing, he resigned his lifelong judicial position to campaign actively for Weldon's freedom.
After years of advocacy from political figures like Cory Booker, celebrities including Snoop Dogg, and activists within the cannabis community, Weldon regained his freedom — after serving 13 years for his initial cannabis offense. His firsthand experience spurned a passion, a need to support others like him, incarcerated by outdated laws due to the War on Drugs.
His success in advocating on his own behalf and his dedication to speaking up for others are why we are honored to be ardent supporters of Mission Green.
Join MÜV in Advancing Cannabis Reform
We at MÜV are deeply invested in fostering both social and criminal justice reform as it relates to the cannabis plant. Our proud association with the Mission Green Initiative aims to facilitate the humane release of those unjustly incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Through your contributions and awareness, we aspire to effect meaningful change for those adversely affected by outdated cannabis laws.
Visit your nearest MÜV Dispensary starting September 15th to participate in the cannabis reform movement.
*This post was originally published on August 30, 2023, and was updated on September 14, 2023, to reflect the Mission Green Initiative date.
Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Contributor for Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.
