ISMAEL LIRA

Incarcerated: 2006   |  Sentence: Life without parole

Ismeal Lira is serving a life sentence in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. He has no option for parole. The Weldon Project and other organizations are working to highlighting Ismael’s case – and the desperate need for criminal-justice reform – in the hopes of setting him free. 


As medical and recreational cannabis use becomes legal in many states, it serves as a reminder of how unjust the system really is for people like Ismeal Lira. Arrested in 2004, Lira was implicated for the same kinds of activities currently conducted by state-legal cannabis dispensaries and related businesses. Despite the fact that marijuana continues to be federally illegal, these state-legal businesses make billions of dollars in profits while people like Lira continue to languish in prison for decades or longer.


Lira’s problems began when an individual transporting more than six pounds of marijuana was stopped by DEA agents at a border checkpoint. The person told authorities he was transporting the drugs for Lira. Later, when more than 400 pounds of marijuana was discovered, Lira was again implicated. Although Lira maintained his innocence throughout the trial, he was handed a life sentence with no option for parole.

Advocates for Lira petitioned the Obama administration for his release from prison, but the request was denied.


Today, The Weldon Project is hoping President Biden will make good on his promise that his administration will pursue cannabis decriminalization, as well as seek expungements for people with prior cannabis convictions. 


“Ismael is a non-violent marijuana offender who has been incarcerated for more than a decade,” said Weldon Angelos, president and co-founder of The Weldon Project. “We are asking the Biden/Harris administration to right this wrong, fix the system and bring justice to all those who are still serving prison time for cannabis-related offenses.” 


As Lira awaits a decision, he stays hopeful and keeps himself busy in prison – taking vocational and business courses.

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