ASA in the News
Geoffrey Marshall
Medical Marijuana Use Worker Protections Growing, Rulings Show - Americans for Safe Access
By Robert Iafolla for Bloomberg Law
Early medical marijuana laws focused on compassionate use for terminal patients, but over time laws have shifted to broaden the conditions eligible for a prescription, allowing people to manage symptoms and remain in the workforce, said David Mangone, director of government affairs for Americans for Safe Access, a pro-cannabis advocacy group.
Still, the legal protections are “somewhat limited,” Mangone told Bloomberg Law. Employers are still free to set up drug testing programs, and patients aren’t allowed to medicate on the job even if it doesn’t impair their performance, he said.
Geoffrey Marshall
World Health Organization Urges Removal of Cannabis from Drug Treaties - Americans for Safe Access
By Valli Herman for Weedmaps News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a historic step toward the international reform of regulations regarding cannabis with a letter to the United Nations advising that it broaden access to medical cannabis.
On Feb. 1, 2019, WHO published a letter in which it recommended that cannabis and cannabis resin no longer be considered controlled substances in international treaties. Specifically, WHO asked that cannabis and cannabis resin be removed from the highest restriction, Schedule IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The Schedule IV designation includes substances that are considered to have no therapeutic value. In the U.S., the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cannabis under Schedule I, a designation given to substances thought to have a high potential for abuse and no medical value. Cannabis is placed among LSD and heroin in that category.
Steph Sherer
Medical cannabis should not make anyone homeless for the holidays - Americans for Safe Access
By Steph Sherer for The Hill
John Flickner, a 78-year-old, wheelchair-bound senior, is a certified medical cannabis patient in New York, who consumes cannabis from a vaporizer to avoid having to use the types of opioids that kill more than 115 Americans every day. Earlier this month Flickner was evicted from his home in a federally subsidized building in Niagara Falls, NY and lost access to doctors and transportation due to his use of medical cannabis to treat post-injury back pain and muscle spasms that make it difficult for him to breathe.
Thomas Mitchell
Local Activist Launching Colorado Chapter of Americans for Safe Access
By Thomas Mitchell for Westword
"Established in 2002 with over 100,000 active members in all fifty states, ASA is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. It's time that Colorado had a chapter of ASA, and my intent with Safe Access Colorado is to strengthen and unite Colorado's patient and medical cannabis community!"
- Melanie Rodgers, ASA Colorado
Geoffrey Marshall
Elderly man, 78, evicted for using medical marijuana - Americans for Safe Access
By Carolyn Thompson for the Associated Press via Boston Globe
‘‘It’s really a clear evidence of discrimination, and medical marijuana should be treated like any other medication when it comes to living in subsidized housing,’’ -David Mangone
Geoffrey Marshall
What will happen to medical marijuana if NJ legalizes weed? - Americans for Safe Access
By Nicole Leonard for Press of Atlantic City
“Adult use laws do not create access for pediatric patients living with conditions such as epilepsy, cancer and other conditions,” - Debbie Churgai
Geoffrey Marshall
Cannabis Industry Reacts as Utah Legislature Changes Voter Approved Prop 2 - Americans for Safe Access
By Danny Reed for mg
“The Utah Legislature seeks to create a completely unworkable system for the distribution of medical cannabis. Expect to see countless delays from Utah in implementing this program, and an incredibly reduced patient population compared to who would have qualified under Proposition 2. Even if this bill served as an improvement to what voters passed, which it unequivocally does not, it sends a clear message to the Utah electorate that their voice does not matter.” -David Mangone
Geoffrey Marshall
UOG to host public cannabis forum - Americans for Safe Access
By Manny Cruz for the Pacific Daily News
"Politicians very rarely will do anything simply because it's 'the right thing to do,'" Sherer said. "They represent communities, and if they aren't hearing from the community then nothing will happen. If you're looking at the future of medical cannabis on Guam and you're not part of it—it's not going to happen. Stay frustrated, and do something about it." - Steph Sherer
Geoffrey Marshall
Path for Marijuana Policy Gets Clearer in Congress - Americans for Safe Access
By Erin Durkin for NationalJournal
“I think for those who are opponents of this issue, there’s a strong federalism component that underlies it that makes it a lot, I think, easier to swallow. It basically says, ‘This is a state’s right to decide this policy and the federal government is going to take a hands-off approach.’” - David Mangone
Geoffrey Marshall
How Can We Ensure the Disabled Community Has Equal Access to Cannabis? - Americans for Safe Access
By Isabelle Lichtenstein for Merry Jane
“We want people to talk to their doctors about it [medical cannabis]. We want them to be educated about how it works in their bodies. We want them to know about drug interactions if they’re dealing with issues. We want them to know how it can help them therapeutically.”- Debbie Churgai
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