What is an ASA Action Group?

ASA Action Groups are self-starting activist groups that come together to work on ASA campaigns. They can be a group of 3 or more ASA members or can be members of an existing ASA Partner. ASA Action Groups have a commitment to ASA’s mission, values, and goals and become official ASA Action Groups through an agreement that defines the group’s scope of work and grants the group permission to use ASA’s name, logo, and likeness under specific guidelines and outlines permissible activity. 

ASA Action Groups attend ASA’s Monthly Organizing Meetings with ASA Chapters, Affiliates, Volunteers, and other Action Groups, are trained on ASA campaigns and projects, and can leverage ASA resources, including posts in the ASA Newsletter, ASA campaign materials, and ASA staff support. 

ASA Action Groups are non-partisan and cannot endorse political candidates. 


ASA Action Groups are Guided by ASA’s Community Principles and: 

  • Focus solely on medical cannabis issues.
  • Treat others respectfully, including those who might disagree with ASA’s mission.  (That doesn’t mean we are quiet - it just means we are fair.)
  • Work on national ASA campaigns in addition to local projects. 
  • Nonpartisan and do not endorse candidates for elected office.
  • Do not make business or commercial endorsements.

What is the difference between an ASA Action Group and an ASA Chapter or Affiliate?

  • ASA Action Groups are self-selecting groups of activists who want to work together on medical cannabis issues.  ASA Chapters are community groups that represent ASA in a specific community and have elections, rules, and officeholders.  
  • Chapters must have at least ten current dues-paying ASA members and agree to raise funds for ASA as part of their Affiliation Agreement. Action Groups must have at least three current ASA members. 
  • ASA Affiliates work with ASA on programming and represent ASA within a specified region or community.
  • Action Groups cannot use the ASA name or logo without explicit permission of ASA National. This includes outreach, social media, and fundraising.

How to start an ASA Action Group …

  1. Have three current dues-paying ASA members.
  2. Get Approval by ASA
  3. Complete and sign the Action Group Affiliation Agreement 
  4. If the ASA Action Group is part of an organization/company, they should include a letter from the Executive Director/CEO giving the Action Group permission to form under the organization/company’s name; for example, City Wellness ASA Action Group or Patient Organization ASA Action Group would need a letter from the company/organization’s leadership authorizing the use of their name. 

Inquire about ASA Approval Request forms from [email protected]

What you can do immediately:

  1. Become an ASA Member Becoming a member of ASA means you are not just supporting the medical cannabis movement; you are becoming a part of it. For as little as $35 a year, you can ensure that ASA will be here to both support medical cannabis patients across the country and to fight to change the laws to achieve safe access. If you already believe in this work, become part of it.
  2. SIGN UP to get ASA alerts
  3. Go to the Advocate Training Center to find resources and print organizing materials. 
  4. Organize a meeting of activists, patients, and all others concerned with medical cannabis access
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