If you are an avid marijuana fan, hopefully you are familiar with the story of Jeff Mizanskey. For those that aren’t, Jeff Mizanskey has been serving a life prison sentence in Missouri for marijuana-only offenses. None of his offenses involved violence, just marijuana. Jeff Mizanskey has been serving out his prison sentence for over two decades. After a very hard fought public awareness campaign run by the Show-Me Cannabis campaign, Jeff Mizanskey was granted clemency by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. That didn’t free Jeff Mizanskey, but it did provide for the opportunity for a parole hearing. That parole hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Below is a message from the Show-Me Cannabis campaign about tomorrow’s hearing:
Back in May, Governor Nixon commuted the sentence of Jeff Mizanskey, who, since 1993, had been serving a life without parole sentence here in Missouri for non-violent cannabis offenses. Of course, the commutation was very good news for Jeff, but Governor Nixon did not grant clemency or a pardon, which would have freed him immediately. Instead, Nixon’s decision changed Jeff’s sentence to life with the possibility of parole, putting Jeff’s case in the hands of the Division of Probation and Parole.
Tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, Jeff will appear before the parole board for the first time, accompanied by his attorney and the chair of our board of directors, Dan Viets. Given Jeff’s nearly spotless record as an inmate — in 22 years, his only two write-ups were given for putting mail in the wrong slot and having a messy floor — we feel optimistic that the board will grant Jeff parole.
However, that is not guaranteed, and you can help! Take a few moments to write a letter to the Division of Probation and Parole, 3400 Knipp Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Thank the board for considering Jeff’s case and encourage them to grant him his freedom as soon as possible. He has never posed a threat to public safety, least of all now at age 62. Please be respectful and polite, and don’t argue for cannabis legalization when you write.
Jeff’s case has advanced to this point because of people who have spoken up, including his family, state legislators such as Shamed Dogan (R – Ballwin), and citizens like you. Help secure Jeff’s freedom by mailing a letter of support to the Probation and Parole Board now!
