Diamond Craft is currently serving a 360-month (30-year) sentence for a non-violent marijuana charge, a case that starkly illustrates the need for retroactive justice in cannabis law reform. Incarcerated since 2002 at the age of 29, Diamond has spent over two decades behind bars for an offense that is no longer considered a crime in his home state of Michigan.

Diamond’s story is one of harsh sentencing and missed opportunities. Despite this being his first prison sentence and the amount of his possession being less than half a pound, he received a 30-year sentence. This severe punishment came from multiple possession charges, often when he purchased cannabis for personal use after work.

The disproportionate nature of Diamond’s sentence becomes even more apparent when he compares his situation to violent offenders he sees on actual crime shows. He notes with disbelief that many serial killers receive sentences 10 to 15 years shorter than his own.

Now 50 years old, Diamond has missed crucial life moments due to his incarceration. He has never had the chance to embrace his grandchildren and hasn’t seen his 76-year-old mother in over a decade. The emotional toll on his family is immense, with his mother holding onto hope that she will live to see him return home.

Adding to the injustice of his situation, Diamond is facing significant health challenges during his incarceration. He suffers from a bulging disc pressing against his sciatic nerve, causing severe pain. Despite seeing a doctor who prescribed medication and a back brace, Diamond reports that he has not received the prescribed treatments. Instead, he’s been given large doses of ibuprofen, raising concerns about potential long-term health impacts.

Diamond’s case highlights not only the need for cannabis law reform but also the importance of addressing the health and well-being of those currently incarcerated. His fear of potentially dying in prison after serving so much time is a poignant reminder of the human cost of outdated drug policies.

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