The DeLisioso Story


Richard DeLisi, one of the longest-serving non-violent cannabis prisoners, was sentenced to 98 years in 1989. After 32 years served , he was released in 2020 thanks to the help of Last Prisoner Project and his family and Freedelisi Campaign

During incarceration, Richard lost his son Steven, wife Colette, mother Margaret, and father Theodore. 


The DeLisi family now run the brand DeLisioso, a high-end cannabis brand partnering with Trulieve, available at all locations Florida statewide and expanding nationally & internationally.
A documentary and feature film about Richard’s life are currently in production.


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Richard DeLisi

Richard DeLisi, cannabis advocate, entrepreneur, and reform activist, served 32 years of a 98-year sentence for a non-violent cannabis offense — one of the longest sentences of its kind in U.S. history. He was released in 2020 with the support of the Last Prisoner Project and reunited with his family after

more than three decades. Since his release, Richard has become an active voice in the cannabis reform movement — speaking publicly, supporting policy change, and advocating for those still incarcerated under outdated cannabis laws. His lived experience brings urgency and authenticity to the broader call for justice. Following his release, Richard co-founded DeLisioso with his son Rick. In a full-circle moment, he now partners with Trulieve in Florida — the very state where he was once prosecuted — participating in the regulated medical cannabis industry for which he once paid such a profound personal price. His journey from incarceration to industry leadership is more than a comeback story. It is the foundation of DeLisioso’s mission: advancing reform, supporting restitution, and ensuring that growth in cannabis includes accountability, compassion, and justice.

Rick DeLisi

Rick DeLisi is a cannabis activist, entrepreneur, and brand architect whose work bridges legacy cannabis culture with modern reform and responsible industry growth. Born in Fort Lauderdale and raised within a family deeply connected to the plant, Rick spent 30 formative years in Amsterdam — 

one of the world’s most progressive cannabis environments. Immersed in its coffee shop culture and international cannabis community, he developed a global perspective on policy, culture, genetics, and consumer education that continues to shape his vision today. Over the past decade, Rick has focused his expertise on cannabis extraction, with particular passion for solventless methods such as water hash and live rosin. His philosophy centers on purity, terpene preservation, and honoring the integrity of the plant. Following his father’s release in 2020, Rick co-founded DeLisioso and transformed a decades-long injustice into a mission-driven brand. Through its partnership with Trulieve, DeLisioso has grown statewide in Florida while maintaining a clear commitment to reform and restitution. Beyond brand-building, Rick is actively engaged in cannabis advocacy — supporting policy reform, raising awareness about the human cost of prohibition, and ensuring that the industry’s growth includes accountability and second chances for those harmed by outdated laws. Now based in Maui, Hawaii, Rick continues to expand his impact through activism, education, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. For him, DeLisioso is more than a company — it is a platform for reform, legacy, and meaningful change.

Richard DeLisi

A journey through the major milestones of Richard DeLisi's life, advocacy, and legacy in cannabis reform.

40,000
Raising Awareness
There are over 40,000 prisoners still serving time for cannabis offenses now legal in many states. Their stories, like Richard DeLisi’s, demand justice.

Join the movement to free cannabis prisoners.

the DeLisioso timeline

February 10, 1949

Born in Brooklyn

Richard DeLisi is born in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

1969

Early Cannabis Work

Richard begins working with cannabis and believes the plant holds greater value than society recognizes.

1989

Sentenced to 98 Years

Richard DeLisi receives a 98-year sentence for conspiracy to traffic cannabis.

December 8, 2020

Released After 32 Years

Richard becomes one of the longest-serving non-violent cannabis prisoners in U.S. history.

2021

DeLisioso Launches

Richard and his son Rick launch the DeLisioso brand with Trulieve.

2022

Statewide Expansion

The DeLisioso brand expands statewide across the Trulieve network.

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