Justice Served Cold: Ben & Jerry’s Joins Forces with Cannabis Advocates to Free Nonviolent Offenders

As cannabis legalization sweeps across the U.S., one iconic ice cream brand is demanding that justice catch up. In a bold 2025 campaign, Ben & Jerry’s has teamed up with the Last Prisoner Project to urge governors nationwide to grant clemency to individuals still imprisoned for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Their message? Legalization without justice is half baked.

In April 2025, Ben & Jerry’s partnered with the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) to launch the #420ForFreedom campaign, urging U.S. governors to grant clemency to individuals incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses. This initiative highlights the ongoing disparities in cannabis-related incarcerations, especially as legalization expands across the country.

A Call for Clemency on 4/20

Recognizing April 20 (4/20) as a significant date in cannabis culture, Ben & Jerry’s and LPP emphasized the injustice faced by those still imprisoned for activities now legal in many states Palika Makam, Ben & Jerry’s U.S. activism manager, stated:

“When we say legalization without justice is half baked, we mean that legalization while people, disproportionately Black and Brown, are still sitting in prison for cannabis or reeling from the detrimental impacts of having a cannabis conviction on their records is simply not justice fully realized.

Mobilizing Public Action

The campaign encourages citizens to:

*Contact their governors to advocate for clemency.
*Sign petitions The supporting the release of individuals like Antonio Wyatt (Kansas) and Robert Deals (Arizona), who remain incarcerated for cannabis-related offense.
Participate in events Events such as the Cannabis Unity Week of Action in Washington, D.C., from April 29 to May 1, 2025.
An ACLU poll cited in the campaign indicates that 84% of Americans support releasing those imprisoned for marijuana offense.

Ben & Jerry’s Ongoing Commitment

Ben & Jerry’s has a history of integrating activism into its brand. In previous years, the company collaborated with organizations like the ACLU to promote cannabis justice This year, they continue this tradition by serving ice cream at events to raise awareness and support for the cause.

Learn More and Take Action

Ben & Jerry’s Campaign Page: Legalization Without Justice is Half Baked https://www.benjerry.com/420
Last Prisoner Project: 420 For Freedom Campaign

As the legal landscape around cannabis continues to evolve, initiatives like #420ForFreedom highlight the importance of addressing past injustices and ensuring that legalization efforts include comprehensive restorative justice measures.