In honor of what was, we are excited to launch our 'Salvaged' series on September 1st. While we were unable to recover every episode, we were able to retrieve a few hidden gems. Our first installment? 40Tons: The Corvain Cooper Story (2 part release)

"Post-Release"
Meet @CorvainCooper, Chief Brand Ambassador @40tonsbrand, a Black, woman-owned premium cannabis, clothing, & accessories brand from Los Angeles, California.

Corvain grew up on the east side of South Central Los Angeles. Drawing from his experience navigating the legacy market, also a background in apparel, fashion, & brand building, Corvain is an avid public speaker, activist & advocate for bringing awareness to 40 Tons & the causes it serves.

In 2013, Corvain received a life sentence without parole after a “3rd strike” for his participation in a cannabis distribution operation. Despite the relatively minor offense, he was effectively “buried alive” at a federal prison in Louisiana, apart from his then fiancé & two children for something that was increasingly becoming legalized across the nation.

Through his years in prison, activists & voters continued the campaign to relax cannabis laws across the U.S. & Corvain finally, & fortunately, received a grant of executive clemency in Jan 2021.

Corvain’s story is emblematic of the two disparate realities currently taking place in the U.S., one where some are able to profit off cannabis & the other where a cannabis-related offense can lead to a life sentence — today, 40,000+ cannabis prisoners still remain locked-up.

Corvain now serves as an advisor to the @lastprisonerproject & is the author of a poignant 4 part memoir Look Into My Eyes set to be released later this year.

Just because someone carries it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.


May The Expect Effect rest peacefully.

Call Me Nik airs this fall.