Jason Ortiz's journey into cannabis justice stems from his experiences with the criminal justice system after being arrested for cannabis possession at 16. His expulsion from school and subsequent financial burdens sparked his activism. He learned about critical issues like the war on drugs and the school-to-prison pipeline. At the University of Connecticut, he embraced the political power of personal experience, leading him to advocate for policy changes that benefit individuals impacted by drug laws. His efforts extend to co-founding the Minority Cannabis Business Association, enhancing social equity in the cannabis industry.
Ortiz recalls being taught by his mother to always stand up for himself and not to take any bullying, which significantly influenced his activism.
He faced a pivotal moment at 16 when he was arrested for cannabis possession, leading to a year of expulsion and financial ruin for his family.
During his time away from school, Ortiz learned about the war on drugs and the school-to-prison pipeline, sparking his transformation into an activist.
At the University of Connecticut, Ortiz recognized the political power within personal experiences, which fueled his lifelong commitment to policy advocacy.
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