For the first installment of this daily series, we highlight Edwin Rubis, a father of three who has spent more than 28 years in federal prison for a cannabis conspiracy. His case began with a 1998 DEA raid in Houston and ended with a 40-year sentence that could keep him incarcerated into his sixties. Despite the years behind bars, Rubis rebuilt his life through education, rehabilitation and mentorship. Today, his family and supporters continue fighting for his freedom.
1998: A DEA Raid in Houston
In 1998, DEA agents raided Edwin Rubis's apartment in Houston, Texas.
Rubis has described the raid this way — agents found:
No drugs.
No money.
No guns.
Rubis acknowledges that he transported and sold marijuana, but he disputes the quantity prosecutors attributed to him. Despite what he describes as an empty apartment, he was prosecuted — and in December 1998, a jury convicted him on 12 counts: one conspiracy count and 11 counts of possession with intent to distribute.
His conviction relied on testimony from cooperating witnesses.
Rubis has said prosecutors pressured him to become an informant, and that he refused — unwilling to put other people in prison to save himself.
He chose to go to trial rather than cooperate.
On August 12, 1999, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
A Family Left Behind
When Rubis was incarcerated, he left behind a pregnant wife and a three-year-old son.
He is the father of three sons, who have grown up with their father serving a lengthy federal sentence.
The years of incarceration have meant missing family milestones and spending much of his children's lives separated from them.
His case is not only about the length of a federal cannabis sentence. It is also about a family that has spent decades trying to bring a father home.
28 Years Behind Bars: His Release Date Is 2031
Rubis is now 58 years old.
He turned 58 on August 20, 2026, marking his 29th birthday behind bars.
He has served more than 28 years of his sentence.
His projected release date is:
2031.
If that date holds, Rubis will be 63 years old when he leaves federal prison.
After more than two decades of incarceration, he still faces several years before his scheduled release.
Rebuilding His Life Inside Prison
The early years of incarceration nearly broke Rubis.
Rubis has described attempting suicide during that period, and being placed on suicide watch.
But over time, he began rebuilding his life through education, personal development and service to others.
During his incarceration, Rubis earned three college degrees:
Associate's degree in Religious Studies.
Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Counseling.
Master's degree in Christian Counseling.
He also completed more than 30 rehabilitation and educational programs.
Beyond his own education, Rubis became a mentor to other incarcerated men, helping them navigate prison life and pursue personal growth.
He also became a published author, using writing as another way to share his experiences and perspective.
His accomplishments demonstrate the life he has worked to build despite spending more than 28 years in federal prison.
"Lack of Money": The Fight for Freedom
After 28 years behind bars, Rubis has continued working to improve himself and contribute to the lives of others.
Yet when asked why he remains incarcerated after doing everything right, his answer was direct:
"lack of money."
His response points to the financial obstacles surrounding his legal fight.
His family continues seeking support to pursue the efforts necessary to bring him home.
For Rubis, the remaining years of his sentence represent more time away from his children and family, despite the education, rehabilitation and mentorship work he has completed inside.
Day 1: Why Edwin Rubis's Story Matters
Rubis's case is the first featured story in this daily series highlighting people who remain incarcerated in the United States for cannabis-related offenses.
His story raises difficult questions about the length of federal cannabis sentences, the consequences of refusing to cooperate with prosecutors and the obstacles people face when attempting to pursue legal relief after decades behind bars.
According to the information provided by organizations supporting his case, Rubis has spent more than 28 years incarcerated while earning three degrees, completing more than 30 programs, mentoring other prisoners and becoming a published author.
His projected release date remains 2031.
For a father who has already spent decades away from his family, that means several more years before he can potentially return home.
How to Help: Support Edwin Rubis
There are several ways to support Edwin Rubis and his family's efforts to bring him home.
Write to Edwin
Edwin Rubis #79282-079
FCI Ashland
P.O. Box 6001
Ashland, KY 41105Send him a message through CorrLinks
Create a free account at corrlinks.com and add Edwin Rubis, register #79282-079 — he will need to accept the contact request before messages can be exchanged.Support his family's legal fundraiser
gofund.me/25d30316dLearn more about his case
istandwithedwinrubis.comSign the clemency petition
Find the Change.org petition titled "Free Edwin Rubis."
Every letter, contribution and signature can help bring attention to his case and support the family's ongoing efforts.
28 Years Is Enough
Edwin Rubis has spent more than 28 years in federal prison for a cannabis conspiracy.
He left behind a pregnant wife and a young son. He endured years of incarceration, struggled with his mental health and ultimately rebuilt his life through education, rehabilitation, writing and mentorship.
He is now 58, with a projected release date in 2031.
His story is a reminder that cannabis convictions continue to carry consequences long after the public conversation around legalization has changed.
Day 1: Edwin Rubis. 28 years served. A family still waiting.
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YouTube Video
40 YEARS FOR A PLANT: JUSTICE FOR EDWIN RUBIS ⚖️🌿
Sources
1. Beard Bros Pharms. Edwin Rubis coverage, August–September 2026. Reporting and published writing by Rubis supporting his personal history, incarceration, education, rehabilitation and ongoing efforts to secure his release.
2. Freedom Grow Forever. Edwin Rubis case coverage. Supporting source for his incarceration and advocacy for cannabis prisoners.
3. Last Prisoner Project. Edwin Rubis case information and advocacy. Supporting source for his federal cannabis sentence and efforts toward freedom.
4. Life for Pot. Edwin Rubis case profile. Supporting source for his prosecution, sentence and continued incarceration.
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