Mary Bailey

Mary Bailey is a cannabis industry advocate and social justice leader whose career centers on the belief that the legal cannabis industry has a responsibility to support individuals still incarcerated under laws that have since been reformed. With more than 20 years in the cannabis sector, Bailey emphasizes the importance of assisting those affected by the consequences of prohibition.

Before focusing on criminal justice reform, Bailey served as executive producer of the Maui Cannabis Conference and CEO of Alpha Agency, a Hawaii-based production company specializing in events that promote social change through music, education, and community engagement.

As managing director and co-founder of the criminal justice reform nonprofit Last Prisoner Project, Bailey leads development initiatives and builds community partnerships to support the release of cannabis prisoners and assist them in rebuilding their lives. The organization has expanded from a grassroots effort to a network of more than 200 pro bono attorneys representing over 300 incarcerated individuals. The Last Prisoner Project has saved over 400 years of unjust prison time, cleared more than 250,000 cannabis offenses, and distributed $3.8 million to those impacted by criminalization.

Bailey’s work at the Last Prisoner Project includes fundraising, community engagement, and direct support for constituents. She has strengthened the organization’s reentry program, which has provided over $2 million in direct grants, commissary funds, and other financial assistance. Bailey is also active in advocacy, lobbying in Washington, D.C., for retroactive relief for cannabis prisoners and meeting with lawmakers to advance criminal justice reform. At the organization’s inaugural Journey to Justice Gala, Bailey honored Richard DeLisi, one of the longest-serving nonviolent cannabis prisoners in United States history, who served 32 years. Reflecting on the organization’s impact, Bailey has spoken about the significance of witnessing families reunite after decades of separation.

Bailey’s leadership has been recognized across the cannabis and social justice communities. She has been named to the High Times list of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Cannabis Industry, received the Advocate of the Year Award from Benzinga Cannabis, been recognized among the Top 100 Most Influential People for Activism by Cannabis Global Times, and honored on the 40 Under 40 list from Cannabis Now Magazine. High Times also named her a DOPE Award recipient for her ongoing leadership in cannabis justice. Bailey continues to advocate for a socially conscious cannabis industry that addresses the human cost of prohibition and works toward meaningful reform.