Press Releases

Americans for Safe Access Statement: DEA & DOJ Reschedule Cannabis (Marijuana) for Medical Access

“This is a big day for medical cannabis patients. Our federal government recognizes our medicine as legitimate, which means we are not only entitled to tax-free access but to federal protections.  For millions of Americans who rely on medical cannabis, this is more than a policy shift — it is validation. It affirms patients’ lived experience and represents an important step in the right direction.

We are encouraged to see many of the ASA's concerns about Schedule III addressed in the order, as well as the use of language from our model federal legislation. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to unpack the implications of today’s announcement, which is sure to face legal, regulatory, and political scrutiny.  But today, we are celebrating being closer than ever to a national medical cannabis program and to restoring patient rights. (This is a great gift for ASA's 24th Anniversary of fighting to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research!) 

What happens next matters and will directly affect patient access and the integration of medical cannabis into U.S. healthcare systems. Americans for Safe Access calls on patients, caregivers, health care providers, and advocates to stay engaged and be ready to mobilize. We have to ensure patients’ voices are front and center of every policy discussion moving forward.

We encourage supporters to sign up through the ASA website, become a member, and consider joining us in Washington, D.C., on May 13 and 14 to help educate Congress as federal cannabis policy continues to evolve. www.safeaccessnow.org/asa_2026_lobby

A big thank you to ASA members, volunteers, and sponsors who all helped make today possible. “

Steph Sherer, Founder and Executive Director