Potcast 202: Cannabis and the Unjust Criminal Justice System
Photo Credit: Emily Eizen
If you’re ready to see restorative justice in action, this potcast is for you. We’re taking an important look at the impact of the war on drugs and the long-term effects of convictions of non-violent cannabis crimes on individuals, families, and communities. We also weigh in on federal legalization through the lens of restorative justice and how giving and getting a second chance is the first step toward healing most things in life.
I’m thrilled to share today’s guest - an inspiring and empowered woman who is embarking on a new chapter. Loriel Alegrete is the founder of 40 tons, a social enterprise using the regulated cannabis industry to fight injustice for cannabis prisoners.
During our chat, Loriel explains the conspiracy that changed her life and inspired her business. She also pulls back the curtain on the war on drugs with firsthand insight into our unjust criminal justice system and what we can do to inspire hope and connection for those incarcerated for non-violent cannabis crimes. And I offer my two cents on how we can help smooth the transition for the formerly incarcerated stepping back into a world high on propaganda and cancel culture.
If you’re as inspired by Loriel as I am, I hope you’ll share this potcast with your smoke circle. Learn more about Loriel and the 40 Tons mission and how you can get involved below.
And if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind cannabis-infused getaway, I invite you to join me in the beautiful wine and weed country of Sonoma County, California. As a cannabis lifestyle guide, I’ve cultivated a one of a kind farm stay experience where you can enjoy the casually baked lifestyle and the magic of sun-grown cannabis farms and vineyards. If you’re into wine, weed, wellness or all of the above, get ready to have a high time customized just for you. Click the link to learn more.
Kumbaya and cannabis, -Jo 💚
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‘After the Show’ Notes
Loriel Alegrete, 40 Tons founder
Photo Credit: Emily Eizen
Connect with Loriel Alegrete and the 40 Tons team:
40 Tons IG: https://www.instagram.com/40tonsbrand
40 Tons Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/40TonsBrand
40 Tons Twitter: https://twitter.com/40tonsbrand
Corvain’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/corvaincooper
About Loriel Alegrete, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder at 40 Tons
Loriel Alegrete is Chief Executive Officer at 40 Tons, a Black, woman-owned premium cannabis, clothing, and accessories brand from Los Angeles, California. Loriel oversees macro strategy and strategic partnerships between other brands and advocacy groups and organizations. Representing those impacted by the system — cannabis prisoners, victims of the war on drugs, their families, and loved ones — while a booming billion-dollar industry flourishes across the globe, 40 Tons was founded by the very legacy operators who’ve helped build the cannabis industry during the course of battle.
Loriel stands for the strong women of the world powering through the challenges of loved ones behind bars due to cannabis. In her teens, Loriel’s brother was arrested for being an accessory to murder, leaving her to help care for the family and support her brother in prison through his sentence. Later, drawing from a background in organizational leadership and marketing, Loriel helped champion the formation of 40 Tons after enduring her husband Anthony Alegrete’s multiple incarcerations, including a sentence along with lifelong friend Corvain Cooper. With fewer strikes against him, Anthony’s sentence was less harsh than Corvain’s, who received life without parole.
Upon Anthony’s release, as cannabis laws began to relax across the U.S., Loriel and Anthony began their advocacy efforts to free Corvain. Eventually, this led to Corvain’s release through a grant of executive clemency from President Donald Trump in his final days as President of The United States of America in 2021. It took the hard work of many individuals and organizations, including the entire 40 Tons team, to help break Corvain free. Loriel holds a degree from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, in Los Angeles, California, and is the co-founder of Jump For Joy, a community outreach for children facing obesity in Las Vegas. Loriel has worked to support the Jewish Holocaust population, and also to help feed the homeless. In addition to running 40 Tons, Loriel is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is an advisor to Marijuana Matters. Just because someone carries it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.
Representing those impacted by the system — cannabis prisoners, victims of the war on drugs, their families and loved ones — while a booming billion-dollar industry flourishes across the globe, 40 Tons was founded by the very legacy operators who’ve helped build the cannabis industry during the course of battle. With true know-how, the scars to prove it, and 40,000+ cannabis prisoners still locked-up, 40 Tons is 100% real, authentic cannabis and cannabis culture standing up for those who fought, and still fight today, the tired and traumatic war over legalization. With a mission to break the chains of these injustices stemming from prohibition, every 40 Tons purchase helps non-violent cannabis prisoners fight their unjust sentences, engage in restorative justice, and find full, equitable lives once they return home to their families.
40 Tons co-founders (L-R): Corvain Cooper, Loriel Alegrete, Anthony Alegrete | Photo Credit: Emily Eizen
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Daniel Fink, craft cannabis farmer | @downomfarms
This week, I’m teasing next week’s potcast with Daniel Fink, a craft cannabis farmer in Grass Valley, California, at Down OM Farms. Daniel will talk about growing naturally outdoors and share insights to help you at-home gardeners build living soil. Daniel will also speak to the current upset in the California cannabis industry as chemical agriculture moves in threatening the small, rural farming operations. If you care about farmers getting paid a living wage and keeping your favorite small farmer owned cannabis brands in business, don’t miss next week’s potcast.With a name like Down OM Farms, you know Daniel is one with nature. Just like my OCB rolling papers. All OCB papers are “plant to puff” and made in a facility that’s powered by 100% green energy.
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Roll With Me, a new video series launched on the Casually Baked YouTube channel in April 2021, is a collaboration with OCB Rolling Papers. Get lessons and insights on the craft of rolling while chatting about all things hemp and cannabis culture.
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