ASA in the News
Geoffrey Marshall
Berner’s new Detroit Cookies store shows that despite the emphasis on recreational marijuana, medical marijuana is still a big deal - Americans for Safe Access
By Larry Gabriel for the Detroit Metro Times
And there's still plenty of opportunity to bend your lawmakers' ears about medical marijuana. The Americans for Safe Access National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference 2020 takes place March 25-28 in Washington, D.C. Check out their website for more information.
Geoffrey Marshall
Geoffrey Marshall
Medical marijuana takes center stage as briefs are released in PA Supreme Court case - Americans for Safe Access
By Jamie Bittner for Fox 43
LEBANON COUNTY -- Briefs are due to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court today in a case that will decide if people on probation will or will not be allowed to use medical marijuana in Lebanon County.
The State Supreme Court is ready to hear a challenge brought by the ACLU on behalf of 3 people against the 52nd Judicial District of Lebanon County. The challenge concerns a policy (which is now on hold) that blocks people on probation from using medical marijuana even if they have a card. The policy was put in place by President Judge John Tylwalk. The ACLU filed the suit on behalf of Melissa Gass, Ashely Bennett and Andrew Koch.
In its court briefing, the ACLU included the following:
- A request that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania rule that the policy contradicts the commonwealth’s Medical Marijuana Act and to permanently end its enforcement
- An amicus brief (friend-of-the-court brief) written by the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, the Association of Cannabis Specialists, the Drug Policy Alliance, and Americans for Safe Access Foundation, represented by attorneys Tom Wilkinson and Abby Sacunas of the law firm Cozen O’Connor
Geoffrey Marshall
How to Travel With Medical Marijuana - Americans for Safe Access
By Jonathan Wolfe for The New York Times
“We tell patients to bring their doctor recommendation with them, just in case law enforcement stops them. We also tell them to keep their medical recommendation and their medical I.D. card with them, and know their physician’s number and maybe their lawyer’s number — just in case.” - Debbie Churgai
Geoffrey Marshall
What does it feel like to be high on marijuana? - Americans for Safe Access
Written by Jenna Fletcher and Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on December 10, 2019 for Medical News Today
Generally, there are minimal side effects when using marijuana to get high. According to Americans for Safe Access, a person would need to smoke the equivalent of 1,500 pounds of marijuana in 15 minutes to overdose. However, this is untested and more or less impossible.
Geoffrey Marshall
Biden’s wariness on marijuana puts another target on his back - Americans for Safe Access
By Mona Zhang for Politico
“Although Schedule II might not be a perfect solution, anything is better than where it is now in Schedule I,” said Steph Sherer, president of medical marijuana advocacy organization Americans for Safe Access. While the group would certainly like to see marijuana removed from the Controlled Substances Act, its stance is that rescheduling is the more realistic option, politically.
Geoffrey Marshall
Bills could offer marijuana break for veterans - Americans for Safe Access
By Billy Cox for Sarasota Herald-Tribune
“Some states do not include a cost for the medical cannabis card at all (NM). IL offers veterans a discounted cost, OR offers a veteran discount that reduces the fee to $20, and there are a few other states that offer need-based discounts. So it is possible FL may be the first to charge a registration fee but offer a free application to vets.”
- Debbie Churgai
Geoffrey Marshall
Gifting cannabis to the terminally ill becomes tax-exempt in California - Americans for Safe Access
By David Downs for Leafly
“Allowing licensed retailers to donate medical cannabis is a logical and compassionate reform that will make a life-changing difference for patients in need.”
- Sean Khalepari
Geoffrey Marshall
Advocacy: Americans for Safe Access - Americans for Safe Access
By Lindsey Getz for CRx Magazine
In the not-so-distant past, the use of medical cannabis was not only socially unacceptable but also thoroughly illegal. In those early days, the need for patient advocacy was vital, and Americans for Safe Access (ASA) was among the most outspoken advocates. The conversation has evolved rapidly in the past decade and beyond, but because there’s a lingering stigma that affects access, ASA continues to be one of the loudest voices speaking out for patients’ rights.
Geoffrey Marshall
Hemp CBD scorecard draws controversy - Americans for Safe Access
By Todd Runestad for New Hope Network
“We cover all aspects of cannabis hemp cultivation and processing. People are like, ‘Who says you are doing it the right way?’ To answer that question, we are getting our ISO-17065 standard. We are doing it the right way.” - Heather Despres, director of the Patient Focused Certification for Americans for Safe Access
State Advocacy Resources
