Man who spent nearly 25 years in prison starts new career in cannabis industry

Click here for updates on this story

    Flint, Michigan (WNEM ) — After spending more than two decades behind bars, the very drug that put him there is providing Michael Thompson with a new, life-changing opportunity.

Thompson launched a new career on Tuesday, March 2 in the cannabis industry.

“Oh, it’s been like heaven. It’s been like heaven man, you know,” Thompson said.

Words are hard for Thompson to find when it comes to describing his freedom. TV5 was there as Thompson was released from prison after 25 years in January because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer commuted his sentence.

Flint man released from prison after sentenced 40-60 years for marijuana, guns
March 2 was Thompson’s first day on the job for Ubaked Cannabis, a cultivation and processing facility in Burton. The company is offering Thompson a platform to talk about justice system reform.

“The owner here understands my cry to help them,” Thompson said. “So that’s what I’m here for.”

Thompson had been serving 25 years of a 40 to 60-year sentence for selling three pounds of marijuana and owning guns. His grandson, Michael, who also works for Ubaked, says that’s an injustice that plays out far too often.

“Nobody should’ve did that much time for no marijuana, nobody,” Thompson said.

Bob Dodge is the CEO for Ubaked Cannabis.

“Personally, I felt indebted that we are profiting from this industry after he spent 25 years in prison,” Dodge said.

Flint man serving up to 60 years for selling pot 24 years ago
Dodge said Thompson isn’t allowed near the product, but he said Thompson’s position is a win-win for both Thompson and the company.

“We go to dispensaries and we do vendor days and that may be an opportunity for us to incorporate you and you know hire you as a brand ambassador and get your message out there,” Dodge said.

Thompson was quick to point out there are a lot of people in prison right now who are just like him. He says he’ll do everything he can to raise awareness that in many cases the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

“The criminal justice system is broken and it needs to be fixed,” Thompson said.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.