Donte West

Background

About Donte West

Donte West is a criminal justice advocate who was exonerated by the State of Kansas in 2021 after spending nearly 4 years incarcerated on possession of a pound of marijuana with intent to distribute. With no criminal history and nothing illegal in his possession, he was convicted by a jury in 2017 and sentenced to serve 7 years and 8 months in prison. With the support of the facility's warden, elected officials and, he worked to fight his charges and filed a habeas corpus motion. His successful quest for justice has inspired him to become an advocate and help others facing similar situations. Donte has true freedom not being a felon, but his experience of wrongful incarceration will always be with him and he hopes to utilize it to his advantage to help others. After his exoneration, Donte began working with the Last Prisoner Project to help other incarcerated cannabis offenders. His focus has been on re-entry and re-sentencing at the state level. Following his release and exoneration, Donte became the Chief of Business Development for Illicit Gardens and obtained a retail cannabis license and started a cannabis brand, West by Donte West, to help fund his ability to support others seeking exoneration and release. He recently completed a certificate in cannabis law and business from Rutgers Law School.