Mizanskey celebrates freedom anniversay

On Thursday, September 1st, Jeff Mizanskey celebrated one year of freedom after serving more than two decades of a life prison sentence.

Mizanskey had the dubious distinction of being the only man in Missouri serving life in prison, with no chance for parole, for non-violent marijuana offenses.

During one of my first my prison interviews with Mizanskey, I asked the man who was originally supposed to die in a prison what he would do if he ever got released.

After a pensive sigh, Mizanskey said, “Get with my family, first thing. And go out and get something to eat. Go fishing.”

Three months after that question, on May 22nd, Governor Jay Nixon commuted the “life without parole” portion of Mizanskey’s sentence, allowing for Mizanskey’s parole.

He said he was in disbelief when the warden at the Jefferson City Correctional Center told him the governor had “signed your paper work.”

With family, friends and a throng of media from around the region, Mizanskey walked free of JCCC. Mizanskey would reconnect with loved ones and even meet a few new family members who were born during his incarceration. He also lost family members including his mother during his time in prison.

After his first night “on the outside,” Mizanskey says it felt like a perpetual dream, “A good dream. But, I think it’s still sinking in. I’m hoping nobody pinches me.”

Mizanskey says the year since his release has been a whirlwind. Some of the highlights include trips to Las Vegas, Michigan, Washington D.C. and Seattle. Mizanskey even took a cruise. The name of that Carnival cruise ship was “Freedom.”

Working along with groups like National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and Show-Me Cannabis, Mizanskey’s is now advocating for the decriminalization and even legalization of marijuana, especially medical marijuana.

Prison reform is another subject close to Mizanskey’s heart. He says it’s important to be in contact with other prisoners who have “fallen between the cracks” in the criminal justice system. When he talks of his former fellow prisoners he gets emotional. “Let them know they’re not alone (and) that there’s people out here who care. There’s people that are fighting for them and know some of the injustices going on and they’re trying to straighten it out.”

Mizanskey says the wheels of justice turn slowly, “Believe me. I know. I’ve been there.”