Thousands of people will descend on Austin, Texas this week to attend the 2023 SXSW Conference & Festival. The annual event offers comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, educational sessions, and tons of music.

While the masses gather to enjoy the festival, an estimated 40,000 non-violent cannabis offenders will sit in jail for a substance that is now enjoyed legally by millions of Americans. 

Grow House Media, a media company focused on advocacy and storytelling, will ride the excitement of SXSW to raise money for prison reform with its third annual SXSW Outlaw Party benefiting the Last Prisoner Project (LPP).

Founded in 2019, the LPP is an organization working to end the injustices of America’s policy of cannabis prohibition. 

The Outlaw Party will feature talks from Ferrell Scott and Stephanie Shepard, formerly incarcerated individuals who served a combined 23 years in prison for cannabis convictions.

​​”We are committed to helping the people who were harmed by our country’s unjust drug policies by supporting organizations like the Last Prisoner Project,” said Lisa Pyatt, Chief Marketing Officer of Media Sponsor Eighty Six Premium Hemp.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to their full human potential, including those who have been punished for nonviolent offenses related to cannabis use.”

Guests will enjoy food and beverages throughout the night, two DJs, 360-degree views of Austin, open-air consumption spaces, multiple bars, a joint rolling station, live artwork, and a special talk from M1 of Dead Prez.

The event takes place Friday, March 10, opening night of SXSW. Cannabis professionals, activists, investors, and consumers will network to raise funds for prison reform while honoring the unique culture of Texas at an as-of-yet undisclosed location in downtown Austin. 

This invite-only event drew more than 400 guests last year. Interested parties may contact Bree DeVita at 303-513-1244 or email [email protected] to request an invitation or press credentials. 

“We anticipate to sell out again this year,” said Liz Grow, Founder of Grow House Media. 

“The event is always a blast – but at the end of the day it is more than simply having a good time, it is about seeing many different individuals joining forces in solidarity to make their voices heard.”

Grow added, “Attendees will get an appreciation of the strength of the cannabis movement in the state of Texas and be inspired by how those passionate about it are working for change. The true value of the celebration is much greater than its entertainment value; it is a chance to make meaningful connections and fight for cannabis reform together.”