Why Cannabis Prisoner Advocacy Matters More Than Ever

Today, I had a long-overdue conversation with Travis Cullen, a cannabis activist, history buff, and licensed dispensary owner in Minnesota. He served eight years in federal prison for cannabis and is now focused on freeing people still incarcerated for the plant. He also provides real jobs and resources for those formerly incarcerated.

This issue persists despite cannabis being legal recreationally in 24 states and medically in 40. It is central to whether the cannabis industry has any integrity as we move toward federal legalization.

Read on for Travis's easy, actionable steps on how everyday people and cannabis operators can get involved in Cannabis Prisoner Advocacy today.

Who Is Travis Cullen? — From Prison to Cannabis Activism

Travis’s story is compelling. It reflects the systemic inequities embedded in cannabis prohibition. He grew up in Minnesota and was first incarcerated as a teenager. “I was in and out of juvenile halls,” he told me. “They had me in the system before I was even grown. They were locking up kids for a plant.”

By 21, he was federally prosecuted for cannabis distribution and sentenced to eight years in prison.

He served his full sentence. When he came home, he didn’t have investors waiting or a clean slate. He worked construction jobs, opened a smoke shop, and scraped together the capital and compliance to become one of the first people in the state to receive an adult-use dispensary license.

But Travis didn’t stop there. “I’m not here just to run a store,” he said. “I’m here to help the ones still inside.”

That’s the difference he draws between advocacy and activism. An advocate will tell you it’s wrong. An activist will go see the people. They’ll write, send money, show up, make noise, and not stop until something changes.

For Travis, activism means monthly visits to prisoners like Edwin Rubis, who is serving his 28th year of a 40-year sentence. It means publishing Busted: The Story of Samuel Caldwell to expose the racial and political roots of cannabis criminalization. It means launching Freedom Soda to fund commissary accounts for those still incarcerated. It means naming names, demanding release, and holding the industry accountable for who it forgets or, worse, those who exploit.

It also means employing people like Melissa, who shared her story of being four months pregnant in 2021 when she was arrested for cannabis. Her son's father is still serving his 13-year sentence. They remain hopeful that rescheduling will mean reunification and that they can come home and build a life.

What Cannabis Prisoner Advocacy Really Is

At its core, Cannabis Prisoner Advocacy means:

• Recognizing that legalization only makes sense if justice reaches everyone affected by prohibition.

• Helping people still incarcerated for cannabis charges return to society with dignity.

• Supporting reentry, financial stability, and opportunities beyond prison walls with programs like The Social Impact Center in Los Angeles.

• Engaging the cannabis industry to take responsibility for its own legacy.

  
  

Cannabis Prisoner Advocacy isn’t theoretical. It’s immediate. It’s about getting people out. It’s about dignity and support while they’re still inside. It’s about ensuring that the people who paid the price for this plant aren’t erased now that others are profiting from it.

As Travis puts it: “You can’t build a billion-dollar industry off our pain and then ignore us.”

How You Can Help — Direct Action, Not Just Awareness

Travis offers a clear call to action:

• Find names: Research federal cannabis prisoners in your district.

• Reach out: Write a letter. Let them know they aren’t forgotten.

• Send support: Even $20 for commissary can mean everything.

• Adopt a prisoner: Dispensaries and brands can provide monthly aid, share stories, and advocate publicly.

• Don’t wait on nonprofits: Do the work directly. Be transparent. Be consistent.

  
  

How Cannabis Businesses Can Lead

Travis was clear that licensed operators are uniquely positioned to help:

1. Adopt Individual Cannabis Prisoners

Choose a small group (e.g., 3‑5 individuals) to support directly:

• Publish their stories (with permission) in your store or online.

• Set up fundraising efforts such as POS donation jars or round‑ups at checkout.

• Track funds transparently and share updates publicly.

• Donate 100% of those funds directly to commissary or reentry support.

  
  

2. Hire and Train Justice‑Impacted Individuals

When possible:

• Offer employment pathways for people coming out of incarceration.

• Provide training, mentorship, and leadership development.

• Use your platform to highlight success stories, challenging stigma.

  
  

3. Partner With Legitimate Nonprofits

Travis recommends working with organizations that:

• Directly send funds to incarcerated individuals (like Freedom Grow).

• Provide reentry services such as housing, job placement, and legal aid.

  
  

Avoid “donation theater” — where large organizations collect money but distribute minimal direct support.

A Closer Look: What Travis Has Built

Travis’s efforts aren’t just conceptual:

• He visits incarcerated cannabis prisoners monthly, offering emotional and logistical support.

• He wrote “*Busted: The Story of Samuel Caldwell”* to highlight how cannabis criminalization began and why it still affects people today.

• His product line Freedom Soda was created with profits directed to incarcerated individuals.

  
  

These are tangible expressions of Cannabis Prisoner Advocacy — not empty statements.

The Importance of Community Support

Community support is vital for those affected by cannabis prohibition. It fosters a sense of belonging and hope. When people know they are not alone, it can significantly impact their mental health and outlook on life.

Building Awareness

Raising awareness about the injustices faced by cannabis prisoners is crucial. Share stories, engage in conversations, and educate others about the ongoing struggles. Use social media platforms to amplify voices that are often silenced.

Creating Safe Spaces

Creating safe spaces for discussions about cannabis and its impact can help destigmatize the conversation. These spaces can be physical or virtual, allowing individuals to share their experiences and connect with others who understand their struggles.

Get Involved

Connect with Travis Cullen:

Instagram @travistheactivistofficial

Linkedin Travis Cullen

Support Directly: Donate to Freedom Grow (supports commissary and direct aid)

Follow the Conversation: Watch the full interview here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6q-G9zim6A

So if you’re in the cannabis industry — or if you simply believe in justice — ask yourself: what are you doing for the people still locked up for the same plant you now celebrate? Because cannabis legalization means nothing if it doesn’t include the people who were punished first.