Bill Levers Named COO; Jeff Levers to Lead Fundraising Efforts Including Campaign to Free Edwin Rubis
[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
[Los Angeles – August 29, 2024]: Freedom Grow, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to supporting those incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses, has formed a transformative partnership with Bill and Jeff Levers, co-founders of Beard Bros Pharms, starting with joining the organization’s Board of Directors. Bill Levers has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Jeff Levers will spearhead fundraising initiatives, starting with a nine-week campaign to free Edwin Rubis.
“The average prisoner earns just 12-25 cents per hour, which is why providing them with the funds they need is crucial,” said Kristin Flor, Executive Director of Freedom Grow. “Thanks to Bill and Jeff, I expect we’ll see many changes in the future, particularly in securing the funding and media attention necessary to elevate our organization.” Stephanie Landa, Founder of Freedom Grow, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are racing to the end of prohibition. We want our prisoners home with their families, and while they wait, we will continue to send support. I’m thrilled to have Jeff and Bill onboard – woohoo!” Randy Lanier, CEO of Freedom Grow, added, “Having Bill and Jeff on our board will be a game changer.”
About Freedom Grow: Freedom Grow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting nonviolent cannabis prisoners and advocating for their release through corporate sponsorships, donations, and volunteer work. Comprised entirely of volunteers, many of whom have been impacted by cannabis prohibition, the organization is committed to de-scheduling cannabis and raising awareness of the injustices faced by those incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses.
Freedom Grow’s mission is to help prisoners find freedom while supporting them with commissary money, prison outreach, family outreach, and public education. Through its ‘Wish Program,’ the organization provides financial assistance, reading materials, special wishes, and ongoing support. Currently, Freedom Grow supports around 300 individuals and 170 children, relying on sponsors to sustain this aid.
CEO Randy Lanier, a renowned figure in both racing and cannabis advocacy, funded his racing career through cannabis and achieved remarkable success before being sentenced to life in prison, serving 27 years for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Lanier is the author of Survival of the Fastest and was featured in the Netflix documentary Need for Weed.
About Beard Bros Pharms: Beard Bros Pharms is an award-winning multistate and multinational cannabis brand based in California. Founded by brothers Bill and Jeff Levers, the company leverages decades of cannabis experience across cultivation, manufacturing, operations, and media. Operating in the legal cannabis market since 2011, they have produced licensed recreational cannabis since 2018.
Their high-CBD and high-THC RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) products are available in multiple states. Upcoming products include “RSO in a Bottle,” tinctures, and RSO-based edibles and topicals.
In 2018, the Levers brothers launched Beard Bros Media, committed to truth-telling and advocacy for cannabis culture. The company has written and published tens of thousands of words in support of nonviolent cannabis prisoners and uses its vast social media reach to highlight the injustices these prisoners face.
Their commitment to advocacy dates back to 2014, when advocates like Cheri Sicard and Mickey Martin introduced them to the cause. They were an annual financial contributor to and advocate for Parents 4 Pot, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing holiday presents to the families of cannabis prisoners.
The company’s resolve to fight for justice was further solidified after their cultivation facility was raided by law enforcement in 2015. The brothers proudly advocated releasing inmates, including Craig Cesal, Randy Lanier, Parker Coleman, Fred DeLisio, Weldon Angelos, Luke Scarmazzo, Paul Free, John Knox, and others still awaiting justice. Their dedication to authenticity and compassion has positioned them as leaders where legacy meets legality.
#freeedwinrubis
#freedomgrow
Beth Meyers and Thomas Buckly from CannManage
