Still Doing 40 for a Plant—And Still Getting Used

OG article by Travis Cullen

February 5, 2026

Edwin Rubis, a Latino man, continues serving a 40-year federal sentence for marijuana-related offenses, having completed 27 years while the cannabis industry has exploded into a legal, multi-billion-dollar sector. Rubis, portrayed as central in a conspiracy, rejected a cooperation deal, went to trial, and received a harsher penalty than the alleged leader (who got 20 years and was released). With about eight years left in low-security, his case highlights ongoing federal injustices for nonviolent cannabis crimes. The author critiques the Last Prisoner Project (LPP) for prominently featuring Rubis in marketing, events, and fundraising—using his family's story for clout—but allegedly providing minimal direct aid (support cut from $300 to $60 every three months, then removed from the site after he requested more). LPP cannot influence federal sentences via Texas law. The piece calls on the cannabis community to demand transparency, support prisoners directly (commissary, visits, legal aid), and avoid exploitative groups, providing a fundraiser link for Rubis and urging scrutiny of fund usage.