Marshawn Lynch’s Cannabis Company Partners with Last Prisoner Project on Apprenticeship Program

Marshawn Lynch’s cannabis company Dodi Blunts is partnering with the Last Prisoner Project on an apprenticeship program for justice-impacted individuals. The 90-day program will offer participants hands-on experience for a potential career in the cannabis industry.

The program is the first initiative between Dodi and the Last Prisoner Project since the company’s launch last year and since Lynch signed on to become a Last Prisoner Project ambassador.

“Last Prisoner Project is not just talking about second chances but really being about it. It only makes sense that those affected by their cannabis past have a chance to let it play a part of their futures too.” — Lynch in a statement

Last Prisoner Project Managing Director Mary Bailey said it is “so important that these justice-impacted individuals are given a path forward” and that Dodi “stepped up to the plate in a way that we at Last Prisoner Project are so appreciative of and hope other cannabis companies will follow suit.”

Katree Saunders, the first apprentice under the program said she is “excited and thankful” to be the program’s first constituent. Saunders was convicted on federal charges of possession and intent to distribute cannabis in 2011.

“This opportunity with Marshawn and the Dodi brand means a lot to me after being a justice-impacted individual. Having recently graduated Columbia Business School for Entrepreneurship and being accepted to the apprenticeship program, I feel like I can be a shining example of what is possible after being affected by the collateral damage of this failed War on Drugs,” she said in a statement. “It’s the chance to be resilient while making a positive impact on the community. Just because you have been formerly incarcerated, doesn’t mean you have no goals or dreams you would like to accomplish. It has given me inspiration.”