In 2012, Fred Harris watched legalization pass him by from a prison cell in Colorado. Despite being the first state to legalize recreational cannabis, the law didn't account for people like Fred, who were still serving cannabis-related sentences. That meant getting out of prison would be no easy feat -- even after his son, Arzelle Lewis, called in celebrities and NBA stars to help plead his dad's case.

This story is Part 5 of 8 in a series called Fair Shake, about what drug laws and the cannabis business can teach us about social equity in the U.S. Written and reported by Ann Marie Awad Additional Reporting: Allan Tellis, Rebekah Romberg Lead producers: Luis Antonio Perez Editor: Dennis Funk Music: Daniel Mescher, Brad Turner Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Additional production: Jo Erickson Illustrator: Jonell Joshua

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