Governor Phil Murphy (D) announced the 7th round of clemency pardons, including one for marijuana prisoner Steve Kadonsky.
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According to a release from the Governor’s Office, Murphy has granted 7 commutations from parole supervision, 2 commutations from incarceration, and 15 full pardons. That brings the total number of clemency actions to a noted high of 307.
“Granting clemency is a task that should not be taken lightly. And I am incredibly grateful to my exceptional partners on the Clemency Advisory Board and in my office who have worked tirelessly toward our shared obligations of public safety and justice,” said Murphy.
Under the New Jersey Constitution, the Governor is given broad discretion and the sole authority to issue pardons and commutations to individuals for State criminal convictions.
Kadonsky was convicted of being “Leader of narcotics ring, Conspiracy, Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994. Conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance, sentenced in 1994. Conspiracy to possess a controlled dangerous substance (five counts). Possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (five counts). Hindering prosecution (two counts), sentenced in 1995.”
Last Prisoner Project Celebrates Marijuana Prisoner Justice
The nonprofit advocacy group the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) celebrated Murphy’s decision to grant clemency to Steven Kadonsky.* He is a New Jersey man who spent 22 years in prison for a marijuana conviction.
Kadonsky has since dedicated his life to supporting others returning home from incarceration.
Liz Budnitz, Lead Counsel of the Cannabis Justice Initiative at Last Prisoner Project, wrote and filed Steven’s clemency petition.
Although Kadonsky had already served his full sentence, he remained under lifetime parole. The restriction that limited his freedom and opportunities. Governor Murphy’s clemency decision removes that burden.
“We are thrilled that Governor Murphy has granted clemency to Steven Kadonsky,” said Stephanie Shepard, Acting Executive Director of Last Prisoner Project. “This decision is a critical step toward righting the wrongs of cannabis criminalization. No New Jerseyan should continue to be punished for conduct that is now legal in the state.”
“Steven’s story is a powerful reminder that cannabis legalization alone does not address the long and terrible human cost of the failed War on Drugs,” she added.
Shepard noted the need to continue advancing justice and second chances for all who remain incarcerated for cannabis offenses.
“We commend Governor Murphy for his leadership and urge other governors to follow his example by using their clemency powers to bring more people like Steven home,” she declared.
“After enduring 22 years in prison for a cannabis offense, Steven emerged determined to uplift others, becoming a vital leader in Newark’s Returning Citizens Support Group,” said Liz Budnitz, Senior Legal Fellow at Last Prisoner Project.
“The Governor’s grant of clemency sends a clear message that redemption and justice must extend to those impacted by outdated cannabis laws,” she added.
Cannabis Justice Efforts
LPP is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system. Through legal advocacy, reentry support, and systemic reform, it has helped free prisoners, cleared records, and helped pass marijuana justice legislative reforms.
LPP made great efforts to help the unjustly imprisoned Mario Ramos. He since opened a dispensary in the Bronx near Yankee Stadium as part of the local Hispanic-owned chain Con Bud.
Ramos, through his I Bud You media and event company, has been closely collaborating with Heady NJ on our events, full disclosure.
Murphy has made great efforts toward criminal justice under his administration. Unfortunately, he seems more interested in bringing the glamor and money of Hollywood to Bayonne, New Jersey, with a deal with Paramount than promoting the New Jersey adult-use cannabis industry.
His NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) Chair appointee, Diana Houenou, has guided the agency steadily since it was launched in spring 2021.
Like other appointees of the progressive Governor Murphy, it seems they might have a rocky relationship with NJ Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22-Union). He championed the adult-use market legalization effort and continues to exercise influence on the matter in the legislature.
Several cannabis advocates are disappointed with Murphy and Scutari about the difficulty of makinghomegrown justice progress despite more legislators adding their names to the medical legalization bill.
