Upon his release from prison, CZ opened up for the first time about his experiences behind bars in the United States. He shared some hard-learned insights about life in a highly challenging environment and underscored the importance of building alliances to avoid isolation. "You have to make connections," he revealed, "otherwise, it can be quite difficult to endure if you’re on your own."
Interestingly, CZ mentioned that a few prison guards recognized him and asked for cryptocurrency advice, but he was quick to point out that he had no access to networks or crypto information inside. Despite the notorious reputation of the prison environment, he encountered many individuals he described as "good people" serving disproportionately long sentences for relatively minor infractions. "Most of those I interacted with were friendly," he noted, adding that while some guards were less approachable, he never faced any physical mistreatment and considered himself fortunate in that regard.
Before his incarceration, CZ consulted with professionals who specialize in prison orientation, a niche industry that offers practical advice to newcomers. They advised him to maintain a minimal account balance, recommending he keep only fifty dollars. However, once inside, CZ noticed that others had as much as two hundred dollars, making him appear financially limited in comparison.
Reflecting on his experience, CZ said he faced minimal difficulties and even made a few friends. Now, in a bid to support those he left behind, he’s exploring legal channels to help some of them reduce their sentences. He spoke particularly of a fellow inmate, Michael, who had been incarcerated for over 27 years for a marijuana possession case from decades ago—a poignant fact, considering marijuana's legalization in many areas today. Despite the grim circumstances, Michael had earned a college degree and read several books during his time in prison, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to self-improvement under challenging conditions.
CZ also shared a glimpse into the technical restrictions within the prison, such as a 15-minute computer time limit that required him to log back in frequently. The lack of modern features, like copy-paste functionality, meant that even minor edits to written work required substantial effort. "In Michael’s time, there were no computers at all," he reflected, underscoring the difficulties faced by those determined to study and pursue personal growth within such limits. Yet, despite the constraints, CZ emphasized that many inmates remain dedicated to bettering themselves. "There are indeed many good people there, striving against the odds to read, learn, and obtain qualifications," he concluded.