Blog Voices from the Frontlines
Sasha Goldstein
Protections Proposed for Vermont Medical Marijuana Users Who Need an Organ Transplant - Americans for Safe Access
By Sasha Goldstein for Seven Days
"There's always the concern that, if there's not a specific statute or guideline [granting protections], then the risk [of discrimination] remains," said David Mangone, legislative counsel at Americans for Safe Access, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for access to medical cannabis. The group recently graded every state's medical marijuana program and gave Vermont's a zero out of five for its organ transplant protections.
Geoffrey Marshall
Why Athletes Are Ditching Ibuprofen for CBD - Americans for Safe Access
By Graham Averill for Outside
“There is overwhelming evidence that CBD can be effective for mitigating pain,” says Jahan Marcu, chief science officer with Americans for Safe Access, which works to legalize medical marijuana. “But we haven’t seen the full clinical trials necessary to understand exactly how it works.”
Kyle Jaeger
Experts React To Donald Trump’s Action To Protect Medical Marijuana - Americans for Safe Access
By Kyle Jaeger for High Times
In a statement Friday, Steph Sherer, executive director of Americans for Safe Access, noted the “tremendous amount of uncertainty from this administration regarding cannabis and how federal laws would be enforced against states that have lawful medical cannabis programs.”
But Sherer continued: “If the President intends to support a federalism-based solution, we are ready and willing to continue our efforts of ensuring that patients can access the medicine they need through robust state programs.”
David Mangone
ASA Submits Recommendations to FDA for International Rescheduling of Cannabis - Americans for Safe Access
This week, we submitted comments relating to the efficacy and medical usefulness of cannabis as a medical treatment. In early April, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notice in the federal register asking for public comments on cannabis and its derivatives. These comments will help inform the response of the United States to the World Health Organization in potentially reclassifying cannabis.
Maranda Whittington
Local veteran hopeful about new medical marijuana pharmacy in SWLA - Americans for Safe Access
By Maranda Whittington for KPLC 7
Landry obtained a scholarship that will allow him to head to Washington D.C. next month to attend a unity conference with Americans for Safe Access.
He plans to march with other veterans supporting medical marijuana there as well.
David Mangone
Americans For Safe Access Responds to Trump’s Commitment to Respect State Cannabis Laws - Americans for Safe Access
Washington, DC — Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) revealed today that in a recent phone conversation with President Trump, the President expressed support for letting states decide their own policies when it comes to cannabis. Senator Gardner has been blocking the confirmation of key nominees to the Department of Justice since Attorney General Sessions rescinded the Cole Memorandum earlier this year. President Trump’s comments to Senator Gardner are in direct contrast of those previously stated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, including "good people don’t smoke marijuana."
Paul Marini
ASA Activist Newsletter - April 2018
In the April 2018 Issue:
- Congress Acts to Protect Patients from AG Sessions
- Advocates Descend on Annual UN Drug Meeting
- Two Studies Show Safe Access Reduces Prescription Opioid Use
- ASA’s National Unity Conference is just 6 Weeks Away
- ASA to Host New Patient Education Course
- ASA Workshop at New York Abilities Expo
- Maryland Patients Benefit from Cannabis Care Certification
- ASA Education and Training Has Global Reach
- Activist Profile: Lisa Sublett, Kansas
- ACTION ALERT: Urge your Senators to support CARERS!
David Mangone
Research Continues to Show Benefits of Cannabis in Fighting the Opioid Crisis - Americans for Safe Access
Washington, DC — New research has been released that further highlights the potential role of medical cannabis in combating the Nation’s opioid crisis . Two studies, published on April 2nd by the Journal of the American Medical Association reveal a net decrease in opioid prescriptions in states with medical cannabis laws for Medicare and Medicaid populations.
Kathleen Richards
Is Vaping Cannabis Safe? - Americans for Safe Access
By Kathleen Richards for East Bay Express
So how can consumers stay safe? [Dr. Jahan] Marcu recommends looking for a third-party seal of approval on products (such as PFC, or Patient Focused Certification, of which he is the director), critically reviewing the label (beware of propylene glycol), and not being afraid to ask the company questions about its ingredients and testing. Also, don't buy any product that doesn't come with storage and usage guidelines. And when it comes to using the device, don't inhale or hold down the button for too long because you may be smoking the concentrate. All that said, "true vaporizers are absolutely safe," he noted.
David Mangone
House Passes Budget with Medical Cannabis Protection Amendment - Americans for Safe Access
Media Advisory for: March 22, 2018
Contact: David Mangone | david@safeaccessnow.org | 202-618-6975
House Passes Budget with Medical Cannabis Protection Amendment
Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment will Protect Patients from AG Sessions until September
Washington, D.C. — Today, after months of debate and continuing resolutions, the House of Representatives passed its Appropriations package for the fiscal year of 2018. Unlike previous short term measures, this bill will fully fund the government through September 30, 2018. At over 2,200 pages the bill is a massive combination of funding outlays and policy. Due to the hard work of advocates the bill includes the text of the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment.
State Advocacy Resources
