Prison Commissary Connects Program

The Unseen Struggle of Federal Cannabis Prisoners

With over 40,000 individuals currently serving time for cannabis offenses, Freedom Grow has vetted over 250 of these individuals. The list continues to grow and they all continue to endure harsh and disproportionate sentences. These inmates earn an average of just 14 cents per hour, which is woefully inadequate to meet their basic needs.

The Harsh Reality: 40 Hours x 14 cents = $5.60 Per Week

Financial Struggles: With inflated commissary prices and low wages, inmates face extreme difficulty in affording essentials such as hygiene products, food, and the means to communicate with their families. This often puts a financial strain on inmates families as they attempt to support their incarcerated loved ones.

Family Separation: Many of these inmates are parents, missing out on significant milestones in their children’s lives, which adds to their emotional hardship. The high cost of communication in prison means commissary funds are often used to stay connected with their loved ones.

Our Solution:

Empowering prisoners through commissary support

The Commissary Connects program will provide vital financial support to federal cannabis prisoners, helping them access essential items that the prison system inadequately provides.

Each month, with support from our brand partners, we hope to provide each of our clients between $X and $X each month. Ensuring they can afford basic neccessities such as hygiene products, additional food, and communications to loved ones on the outside.

Be a part of the change

Commissary Connects Logo Partnership

Brands interested in joining our cause simply have to choose one or more products to feature our logo, pledging a portion of the sale to the Commissary Connects program.

Every purchase helps improve the lives of federal cannabis prisoners, providing them with essential support and dignity – and your customers will know this as they will be directed to our homepage where they can learn more about us and our range of programs.

10 brands x 2,000 pre-rolls x just 25 cents
that’s 5,000 each month

Retailers – You can help too!

Stocking Commissary Connects not only increases sales but also empowers customers to support cannabis prisoners, providing them hope during their incarceration due to outdated laws.

By partnering with Commissary Connects, you can demonstrate a commitment to justice and contribute to a movement advocating for freedom and compassion.

The Impact

Sanford Johnson, serving 12.5 years.

“A daily supply of healthy foods worth consuming and hygiene worth using that’s provided by the FBOP is nearly obsolete, but at least with the help of others, I’m able to FEEL like I live somewhat of a Healthy Lifestyle. At times the food is so bad that we HAVE to use the commissary as our primary food source, drastically dropping our standard of living.”

Wiley Hardy, serving 25 years.

“This place does not serve good food on a consistent basis. So a person would need commissary money to maintain peace of mind when so we don’t have to depend on the meals the BOP serves. Plus it helps us to sleep at night hungry. It also gives you the ability to exercise more freedom to be able to choose not to eat the BOP meals.”

Ali Muzamill

“The prison food is not for the weak! The food is prepared by the inmates at the prison and they don’t have all the appropriate ingredients for each menu meal they prepare daily. The food is edible at times and sometimes I don’t even think your household pets will eat the prison food. Then you have the portions… at times it’s similar to feeding a toddler. The commissary funds are very helpful and important for individuals not just due to the prison food reason but also the fact that an individual makes cents an hour working all day and then they may have fines/restitution to pay and you can barely purchase the necessities (Hygiene, etc). The commissary funds help us be able to purchase some things that they wouldn’t be able to just with the earnings from their prison job pay. It helps the individual not put their loved ones under more burden and stress by not having to reach out to them for commissary funds and their loved ones can utilize their funds for kids, household bills, necessities, etc.”

Juan Cavazos, Serving 18 years

“Commissary funds are important for the inmate population because, more often than not, hygiene items are not given by the institution as it is mandated by policy. The food at times is unbearable, or, small proportions are given that can perhaps may fulfill a man’s diet. Lastly, Recreational items are not afforded in the Rec. Dep’t. and the inmate themselves has to order them from an outside company at a cost and a separate fee for the institution.”

Elliston Callwood, served 30 years!

For one when you get to prison, you are met with what they call a care package. This so-called care package consists of Bob Barker hotel-type soap, deodorant, a razor, and a shampoo. That’s your cosmetics. You get a pair of boots, 3 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of T-shirts, and 3 pairs of boxers. Now that’s all you get so you have to get money from someone so you can buy the things you need. For one you’ll get hungry sometimes and you are going to need something to eat. You need comfortable clothes, and soft shoes, along with money for communication with your family that you have to pay for. They don’t want you to take anything from anyone, so this creates a real need for commissary funds more than anyone knows. Most people work for only $5. A month and that’s something most people don’t know. If there’s ever a need in prison it’s commissary funds.”

Join Our Fight

By partnering with us, your brand not only supports a crucial cause but also connects with a growing community of socially conscious consumers.

Join the movement for justice and dignity. Partner with us and join the Commissary Connects program and let your products make a real difference.

Help us Bring Light to a Dark Cell

Together, we can amplify our impact, bringing hope and essential support to those unjustly imprisoned for cannabis-related offenses.

Is your brand ready to make a difference?

Click here to get started

Randy Lanier

Randy Lanier, once a celebrated race car driver, is now a leading force in the fight for cannabis reform as the CEO of Freedom Grow. Lanier’s journey from the racetrack to the frontlines of advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. In the 1980s, he dominated the IMSA Camel GT series, securing victories and earning the prestigious 1986 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he was convicted of marijuana smuggling and sentenced to life in prison.

After serving 27 years, Lanier emerged not just as a survivor but as a relentless advocate for justice. His personal transformation fuels his work at Freedom Grow, where he is dedicated to supporting non-violent marijuana offenders and their families. Lanier’s story, now shared in his best- selling book “Survivor of the Fastest” and featured in the Netflix series Bad Sport, is a powerful testament to resilience and redemption.

“Commissary is a life line for these POWs”

Today, Randy Lanier is more than a racing legend—he’s a beacon of hope, driving change and raising awareness about the urgent need for cannabis policy reform. His tireless efforts at Freedom Grow continue to inspire and pave the way for a more just and compassionate society.