Change.org petition raises awareness for her father, Robert Deals, and others serving unjust sentences for cannabis-related charges.
PHOENIX, Ariz. (October 18, 2023) — Alicia Deals, the first Black woman to operate a cannabis dispensary stemming from a license awarded from Arizona’s social equity program, today announced the launch of an online petition that calls upon lawmakers to address the multiple injustices in marijuana laws and court cases.
The online petition highlights the case of Deals’ father, Robert Deals, who is incarcerated, having served 12 years of an 18-year sentence in a Yuma, Arizona prison stemming from cannabis-related charges. In an ironic twist, Deals is a rising star in the cannabis industry as the owner operator of the first Cookies dispensary in Arizona, located in Tempe.
The online petition calls upon lawmakers, policy makers, and criminal justice advocates to take immediate action to reform marijuana laws, address racial disparities within the criminal justice system, provide proper support for incarcerated victims with PTSD, and review sentencing guidelines – especially given the dynamic changes in marijuana laws and court cases from 2010 to 2023 and the racial disparities widely prevalent in such cases.
“My father, Robert Deals, was sentenced to 18 years with the maximum sentencing enhancements – a much harsher punishment than many who have committed crimes that involved a loss of life. This comparison highlights how unjust this system is and calls for a drastic change,” said Deals. “His case is an unfortunate example of how outdated laws and racial discrimination continue to plague the legal system. We must address these issues head-on and fight for justice not just for my dad but others who have suffered similar fates.”
Deals adds that the more signatures the online petition gathers, the more traction and awareness that is brought to her father’s case and the multitude of injustices as a whole. “When we elevate our collective voices, we can contribute toward a more just society for all,” she said.
To sign the petition, go to change.org/p/justice-for-robert-deals-highlighting-injustices-in-marijuana-laws-and-court-cases.
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About Alicia Deals: Alicia Deals is the first Black woman to operate a cannabis dispensary stemming from a license awarded from Arizona’s social equity program. She is the founder and CEO of Life Changers, and the owner operator of Cookies dispensary in Tempe, Arizona. Ironically, her father, Robert Deals, is incarcerated, having served 12 years of an 18-year sentence in a Yuma, Arizona prison stemming from a cannabis conviction. Alicia has made it her mission to have her father released from prison. A natural entrepreneur, she is the founder of Life Changers, a company she created when she realized that other families, like hers, needed professional assistance. In addition to her dispensary work, she plans to launch Life Changers Law Firm and other entities in which she can help give people hope and change lives. Alicia feels that it is now time to bring attention to her father’s story and put pressure on the prison system to release her father for time served. To learn more, e-mail dealsalicia@gmail.com.
Media Contact:
Sadie Thompson, Senior Publicist, Proven Media
602-527-0794
