Americans for Safe Access

AUGUST 31, 2023

What just Happened On Wednesday, Bloomberg news reported that Health and Human Services (HHS) is recommending that cannabis be rescheduled to Schedule III following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) scientific review of cannabis under the direction of President Biden. Their findings were sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who will be performing the final review for the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to President Biden’s request in October 2022 for HHS and DOJ to lo

Policy 255

Policy DEA Food Cannabis 255

Americans for Safe Access

AUGUST 22, 2023

Last week, Americans for Safe Access responded to a bicameral Congressional Request for Information on cannabinoid hemp regulation from the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce and the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Cannabinoids 172

Cannabinoids Hemp Safety Education 172

Americans for Safe Access

AUGUST 14, 2023

Let’s be honest, medical cannabis is not the most pressing issue in Washington these days. I have experienced firsthand from walking the halls of Congress, that while a majority of members are sympathetic to the needs of patients, most do not understand the issue of medical cannabis much less that there is a way forward.

Advocacy 214

Advocacy Patients Cannabis 214

Americans for Safe Access

AUGUST 1, 2023

A New Agency – the Office of Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoid Control (OMCCC) proposed by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) By Karen Jaynes, August 1, 2023 In this past year, I have had the opportunity to dig deep into the discussions, written drafts and opinion papers of policy makers, change influencers, industry stakeholders, academics and advocates of cannabis.

Advocacy 194

Advocacy Education Policy Cannabinoids 194

Americans for Safe Access

JULY 27, 2023

On July 28 your Senators and Congressional representatives head home for August recess. We want them to use their break to look into items they have put aside this year, like medical cannabis legislation! That’s why we created an Action Alert.

Legislation 130

Legislation Cannabis 130

Americans for Safe Access

JULY 24, 2023

On July 13, 2023, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) announced in a press release that they had issued a product recall due to a positive test for arsenic discovered from lab test results following an audit. Recalls happen in all commodity markets and is a signal of a robust product safety program that includes enforcement.

Safety 181

Safety Programs Cannabis 181

Americans for Safe Access

JULY 12, 2023

For over two decades, I have been privileged to be a part of the medical cannabis movement as an advocate for patients in need, and member of Americans for Safe Access. Throughout this time, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of medical cannabis in improving the lives of countless individuals facing various health challenges. Let me take a moment to remind you of the remarkable work we, as advocates, have accomplished and the organization that has been instrumental in this progr

Patients 239

Patients Access Cannabis 239

Americans for Safe Access

JULY 11, 2023

The legalization of medical cannabis has covered most of the United States, offering patients an new alternative for their health. Today, there are more than six million registered medical cannabis patients but the safety and quality of the cannabis products they depend on have shocking gaps in how they are tested!

Programs 173

Programs Safety Patients Cannabis 173

Americans for Safe Access

JUNE 30, 2023

4th of July celebrations are full of themes of personal freedoms: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. But for millions of Americans, we are left out of the American promise because of our medicine.

Medicine 207

Medicine 207

Americans for Safe Access

JUNE 28, 2023

As a co-director of Cannabis Advocacy for the US Pain Foundation and a medical cannabis patient living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I can’t imagine continuing the fight for my rights without the leadership and support of Americans for Safe Access.

Advocacy 194

Advocacy Access Patients Cannabis 194

Americans for Safe Access

JUNE 23, 2023

Some of you may know me through the cannabis industry, but you may not know what brought me here and how Americans for Safe Access changed my family’s lives. In 2010, my family’s life was turned upside down when my son Logan began suffering from uncontrolled seizures. Doctors could not help him, and we felt powerless. We learned online about parents successfully utilizing cannabis treatments; many of them were moving their families to states with medical cannabis programs.

Access 200

Access Treatment Legislation Programs 200

Americans for Safe Access

JUNE 16, 2023

I’m writing this in desperation. The organization I care so much about, and volunteer my time for, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), is in desperate need of support! ASA is the only national medical cannabis patient organization that is working towards protecting patients. ASA has and continues to do so much work to bring both access to medical cannabis patients, while also trying to help educate the public.

Collective 202

Collective Access Education Patients 202

Americans for Safe Access

APRIL 19, 2023

Today is the 21st Anniversary of the founding of Americans for Safe Access. Since its creation, our dedicated group of advocates have managed to create a whole new world of U.S. cannabis policy and bring safe access to medical cannabis to countless Americans. However there is still plenty of work that needs doing to make sure that all patients have safe and affordable access to cannabis.

Access 130

Access Policy Patients Cannabis 130

Americans for Safe Access

APRIL 5, 2023

Last week, Kentucky Governor Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 , that will eventually create medical cannabis access for some KY residents. After passing through the legislature with solid support and an enthusiastic Governor, this new law lays out a fairly restrictive program with a very long implementation period. Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services will have until January of 2025 to devise the rules and regulations necessary for the system.

Patients 215

Patients Law Programs Access 215

Americans for Safe Access

MARCH 6, 2023

We are excited to say that the Biden White House is now accepting applications for the pardon of anyone convicted of Simple Possession of Cannabis by a Federal Court (including D.C.’s courts). ASA has been fighting to protect patients and cannabis providers from being unjustly arrested for 20 years and we are very pleased to see the Biden administration starting to address the harms of the “war on drugs.

Patients 259

Patients Cannabis 259

Americans for Safe Access

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

After 25 years of the state cannabis policy experiments, there is no denying that the national acceptance of cannabis has changed. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that one in three Americans are utilizing medical cannabis to manage chronic pain, all but two U.S. states and most of the territories have passed laws creating some form of access to cannabis products, and public support for medical cannabis remains at an all-time high.

Chronic Pain 204

Chronic Pain Policy Programs Access 204

Americans for Safe Access

JANUARY 27, 2023

Almost every conversation I have had in 2023 with medical cannabis stakeholders has been full of doom and gloom. Advocates are discouraged, businesses are frustrated, patients are disheartened, and frankly I am getting a little tired of it! The reason things feel stagnate is because maybe you forgot there has always been a plan for Act II in this journey and Act I has played its course.

Patients 204

Patients Policy Business Cannabis 204

Americans for Safe Access

JANUARY 11, 2023

On January 5, 2023, the Arizona Supreme Court declined to accept an appeal from the Arizona Department of Child Safety, letting stand a lower court decision that Lindsay Ridgell’s medicinal use of cannabis while pregnant did not constitute child neglect and ordered her name be removed from the state’s child abuse registry.

Patients 161

Patients Safety Medicine Cannabis 161

Americans for Safe Access

JANUARY 5, 2023

This year's National Medical Cannabis Unity conference marked not only 10 years of Unity, but also ASA’s 20th year of advocacy! Because this marked such a special occasion, we didn’t want anyone to miss a thing. That is why we have made Unity available for you to watch and share with others!

Advocacy 130

Advocacy Cannabis 130

Americans for Safe Access

DECEMBER 31, 2022

This year Americans for Safe Access celebrated our 20-year anniversary. During 2022, I spent a lot of time reconnecting with ASA members and supporters. One common thing I heard from everyone was despair about the state of medical cannabis in the U.S.

Patients 172

Patients Access Cannabis 172

Americans for Safe Access

DECEMBER 16, 2022

Anniversaries are a time to reflect and remember. For the holiday season, ASA is compiling stories from our friends, allies, and members to share with our community. We invite you to take a few minutes to make a short video on the Tribute platform.

Advocacy 162

Advocacy 162

Americans for Safe Access

DECEMBER 11, 2022

Welcome to ASA’s 10 th Unity Conference! This year Americans for Safe Access is celebrating our 20-year anniversary, and in the spirit of the occasion we are taking some time to reflect on the impact we have had on bringing safe access to the U.S., explore the challenges still facing us today, and to recommit to the future for everyone who needs safe access to medical cannabis.

Advocacy 207

Advocacy Access Cannabis 207

Americans for Safe Access

DECEMBER 7, 2022

Still Time to Sponsor ASA’s Unity Conference! We would like to give a great big thanks to our conference sponsors for supporting us this year! We know that it has been a tough year for so many, and that is why we are extra appreciative that so many of you continue to support our work. There are only a few short days left to sponsor Unity! Sign up by Friday, December 9th to show your support for patients!

Patients 222

Patients 222

Americans for Safe Access

DECEMBER 5, 2022

Movement on Medical Cannabis at the Federal level? Let’s Keep the Momentum Going! On December 2, 2022, President Biden signed the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Act into law. As patient advocates, we appreciate the steps taken by Congress in passing this bill. It is our hope that this is Congress’ way of getting the ball rolling.

Patients 251

Patients Law Cannabis Marijuana 251

Americans for Safe Access

NOVEMBER 23, 2022

O n November 16, 2022, the Senate approved the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Act , which previously passed the house in July 2022. This bill is the first ever standalone cannabis reform bill that has passed Congress. The bill is now headed to President Biden’s desk for signature. If signed, this legislation will ease federal restrictions on cannabis research.

Legislation 199

Legislation Cannabis Marijuana 199

Americans for Safe Access

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Prior to the election, there were 19 states that allowed both recreational adult use and medical cannabis, 29 allowing medical cannabis only, and 2 states with a total prohibition on cannabis. Electors in five states, Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota, and South Dakota, had cannabis-related ballot measures to consider yesterday. Each of the states already have an established medical cannabis law so the ballot questions were largely focused on recreational use.

Patients 239

Patients Access Recreational Policy 239

Americans for Safe Access

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

I became passionate about medical cannabis when I saw remarkable results using cannabis in treating my son Zach’s severe refractory epilepsy. He went from sleeping most of every day, barely speaking or comprehending being spoken to, having a life filled with seizures, to being alert, interactive, and seizure free for most of the year. My passion drove me to pursue a Master’s degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics and to pursue a career in advocacy helping other families like my own.

Access 159

Access Advocacy Epilepsy Sleep 159

Americans for Safe Access

OCTOBER 27, 2022

The latest issue of the ASA Activist Newsletter is out with the news you need to stay informed and be an effective advocate. Learn about why your vote matters for cannabis reform, the latest on how to get a scholarship to ASA's 10th annual Unity conference in DC, and President Biden's cannabis possession pardons and call for rescheduling. . In the monthly activist profile, you'll hear the compelling story of how Kent Morrell of Tennessee found relief from devastating chronic pain and then turn

Chronic Pain 147

Chronic Pain Access Cannabis 147

Americans for Safe Access

AUGUST 4, 2022

With August Recess starting, Congress members are leaving DC and returning home for a month of work. This is the perfect opportunity to meet with them and tell your story about how important medical cannabis is to you. Last week we posted a blog on how to schedule an August recess meeting , so take a look if you missed it. Talking to a member of Congress or their staff should not be a scary thing - YOU are the expert in this conversation!

Education 182

Education Cannabis 182

Americans for Safe Access

JULY 29, 2022

With just a few weeks left of summer, Congress is taking its annual August Recess break. Often when advocates think of meeting their representatives they imagine needing to travel to Washington, DC and meet with them in the halls of Congress. The August Recess break is the perfect opportunity for cannabis advocates, like you, to schedule meetings with your representatives and senators in their home office.

Cannabis 202

Cannabis 202

Americans for Safe Access

APRIL 19, 2022

Happy Birthday ASA! I am so humbled by all that we have accomplished together over the last 20 years. When we started Americans for Access, we were facing paramilitary style raids from the DEA, only 8 states had passed laws creating criminal exemptions for medical cannabis patients, the DEA was still saying that cannabis was a gateway drug and there was no legal access anywhere!

DEA 243

DEA Access Patients Law 243

Americans for Safe Access

MARCH 1, 2022

The issue of adulterants in cannabis vape products has once again resurfaced as the Pennsylvania Office of Medical Marijuana issued a notice to medical cannabis patients on February 4, 2022 advising them of a recall of over 500 different products containing substances not suitable for inhalation. The problem was first brought to light when the VAPI (vaping associated pulmonary injury) crisis occurred in 2019, which sickened over 2,800 people and killed at least 68.

Vaping 192

Vaping Safety Patients Legalization 192

Americans for Safe Access

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

25 years have passed since the first medical cannabis laws came into effect in California, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of ASA’s role in the fight for safe access. Although conditions have improved for patients significantly in the past two decades, our 2021 State of the State report clearly shows that even after 25 years, states are falling short on providing safe, legal, and affordable access to ALL patients.

Access 159

Access Patients Retail Policy 159

Americans for Safe Access

FEBRUARY 9, 2022

The journey here has been a lengthy saga in the abuse of power by the prohibitionist lawmakers and bureaucrats of the Hospitality state who fought tooth and nail against the will of their constituents at every step in the process. It is evident through all of their constant obstruction that, without the overwhelming consent of the voters, state lawmakers in Mississippi would’ve never bothered to pass legislation to improve the quality of life of their constituents.

State Laws 182

State Laws Legislation Law Cannabis 182

Americans for Safe Access

FEBRUARY 8, 2022

Despite the Covid global crises, ASA was hard at work at the state and federal levels, and had a busy 2021. Here are just a few of the activities we accomplished last year.

Business 130

Business 130

Americans for Safe Access

FEBRUARY 3, 2022

On February 2, 2022, Governor Tate Reeves chose to sign SB 2095 into law, making Mississippi the 37th state to adopt medical cannabis laws. The adoption of these laws is the conclusion of a year-long struggle for the future of cannabis in Mississippi. . In November 2020, Mississippi voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot initiative (74.1% of votes in favor), which authorized the state’s department of health to create a medical cannabis program.

Access 251

Access Patients Law Agriculture 251

Americans for Safe Access

JANUARY 17, 2022

Check out ASA's annual recap of the important developments and events of the past year in the January issue of the ASA Activist Newsletter. ASA's 2021 Year in Review includes federal and state news and links to ASA campaigns, resources and member benefits. You'll also find new PFC training courses, certifications, and a free guide for cannabis businesses. .

Events 130

Events Access Business Cannabis 130