Balk receives ASA award

Portage Daily Register

Bunny Balk, chairwoman for the Wisconsin Chapter of Americans for Safe Access, received a distinguished award during the second annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference in Washington, D.C., this month.

Balk started a chapter of ASA in Columbus shortly after she attended last year’s convention. A year later, she has helped start action groups in Eau Claire, La Cross, Sheboygan, Janesville, Beloit, Milwaukee, Baraboo and recently Madison/Dane County.

“Education is the key! When people learn about what cannabis really is and the reason it became illegal in the first place, they tend to have more of an open mind and want to help,” said Balk. “The funny thing is most people agree but are either frightened or ashamed to ‘come out’ of the cannabis closet.”

Americans for Safe Access and Americans for Safe Access Foundation share the mission of ensuring safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for therapeutic uses and research. ASA works with our grassroots base of more than 50,000 members to effect change using public education and direct advocacy at the local, state and federal level.

ASAF trains and educates patients, advocates, health care professionals and other stakeholders. ASAF also provides direct legal support and uses impact litigation to protect and expand patients’ rights.

“My goal is to bring education and information to our senators and representatives. There are many studies that show the medicinal benefits of cannabis that can’t be ignored,” said Balk. “Now to get them to listen!”