Last Prisoner Project, the group devoted to having cannabis prisoners exonerated, is taking the usually lighthearted tradition of presidents pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey and flipping it on its head—suggesting it’s those still languishing in prison for cannabis offenses who should be pardoned.

Agency Sid Lee created the “Pardon people. Not poultry,” campaign, which includes an interactive website where users can scroll through the names of prisoners to learn more about them. When a name is selected, a letter is sent to [email protected] calling for their pardon.

President Biden has promised to use his clemency power to release every federal cannabis prisoner before the end of his term, yet many remain incarcerated. The national campaign is running across online video, digital and social. It is Sid Lee’s first collaboration with Last Prisoner Project.

Also read: Last Prisoner Project looks to the power of the pen to free those incarcerated for cannabis

“This campaign is about making a meaningful choice this Thanksgiving. While traditions like the annual turkey pardon are lighthearted, they’re a sharp contrast to the lives of thousands who remain behind bars for low-level cannabis offenses,” said Matthew Fraracci, executive creative director at Sid Lee. “‘Pardon People. Not Poultry.’ is our call to address this profound injustice. Through our collaboration with Last Prisoner Project, we’re offering an urgent reminder that clemency is within reach—and we’re asking President Biden to take action.”

“We believe no one should be imprisoned for an offense that has since been legalized,” said Sarah Gersten of Last Prisoner Project. “As we approach this season of gratitude and compassion, this campaign allows us to reach Americans by putting a spotlight on the humanity behind these names, urging every citizen—and President Biden himself—to take action and help end the era of cannabis incarceration once and for all.”

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