David Jolley was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. David studied sociology and political science at the University of Utah, where he also did his graduate work in public administration. In 2005, David enrolled in law school at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington.
Toward the end of his second year at law school, David was diagnosed with cancer, specifically acute myeloid leukemia (AML.) Fortunately, in 2008 David received a bone marrow transplant that saved his life. As a cancer survivor, David became devout believer and advocate for the legalization of cannabis.