Blog Voices from the Frontlines
Geoffrey Marshall
V.A. Releases New Policy on Medical Marijuana - Americans for Safe Access
By Danny Reed for mg Magazine
“This change in policy is a victory for veterans because it encourages open and honest conversations between V.A. doctors and veterans about cannabis use. The men and women who put their lives on the line for our country deserve the best care and a wide variety of treatments, including medical cannabis to help them recover from the injuries of war. With veterans suffering from PTSD, chronic pain, and a variety of other ailments, cannabis cannot be left out of the discussion as a safe and effective treatment." -Steph Sherer
David Mangone
Victory for Veterans as VA Changes Policy on Medical Cannabis - Americans for Safe Access
Washington D.C. — On December 8, 2017, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) quietly updated their policy in regards to VA doctors having discussions with veterans about medical cannabis, and clarified VA policy regarding access to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinical programs for veterans participating in state approved medical cannabis programs. VHA Directive 2017-1315 replaces an existing directive issued by the VA in 2011 (VHA 2011-004). The 2011 directive technically expired in 2016, but as no new policy had been put in place, VHA 2011-004 remained department policy until the new directive was issued. Most significantly, the new directive emphasizes “[v]eterans must not be denied VHA services solely because they are participating in state-approved marijuana programs.”
David Mangone
The Second Amendment and Medical Cannabis Patients - Americans for Safe Access
In a 1755 letter to the Pennsylvania General Assembly Ben Franklin wrote “those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." However, while its original context, which related to tax policy, may not apply, the words lend themselves to a conversation that lawmakers should be having. How should our country address liberty, but also safety, when it comes to firearms and cannabis?
David Mangone
Safe for Now (But Not For Long) - Americans for Safe Access
Yesterday afternoon, both the House of Representatives and the Senate voted on H.J. Res. 123, a Continuing Resolution that keeps the Government open through December 22, 2017. President Trump signed it into law this morning. H.J. Res 123 continues to fund the Federal Government at existing levels and includes all policy provisions as the previous budget. This includes the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment which is the only thing protecting medical cannabis patients from federal interference and prosecution.
Beth Collins
Improving Medical Cannabis Programs Will Combat Opioid Crisis - Americans for Safe Access
Americans for Safe Access Releases a Blueprint for State Policy
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Americans for Safe Access released “Medical Cannabis as a Tool to Combat Pain and the Opioid Crisis: A Blueprint for State Policy.” The blueprint outlines legislative and regulatory solutions related to medical cannabis that states can utilize to combat the opioid epidemic.
Geoffrey Marshall
Cleaning up cannabis - Americans for Safe Access
Groups seek standards to ensure safety and quality
By Britt E. Erickson for Chemical & Engineering News
“We train both the industry and the inspectors that go into the facilities,” -Jahan Marcu, Ph.D.
William Dolphin
ASA Activist Newsletter - November 2017
In the November 2017 Issue:
- Rallies Call for Cannabis Solution to Opioid Crisis
- ASA Files Freedom of Information Requests on Opioid Commission
- ASA Chief Scientist Co-Authors JAMA Study on CBD Product Labeling
- Cannabis Expert Dr. Ethan Russo Joins Center of Excellence
- PFC Trainings, Outreach and Events Span the US
- Activist Profile: Justin Arriola, Utah
- ACTION ALERT: Support the CJS Cannabis Amendment Today!
Beth Collins
Kettle Falls Five Matriarch Advocates for CJS Medical Marijuana Amendment in DC - Americans for Safe Access
The last 5 years have been a nightmare for Rhonda Firestack-Harvey, who is well known among medical cannabis advocates as a member of the Kettle Falls Five. For those unfamiliar with the story, Rhonda and her late husband Larry’s property in Washington State, near the town of Kettle Falls was raided in 2012 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for growing medical cannabis.
Beth Collins
ASA Files Freedom of Information Act Requests - Americans for Safe Access
WASHINGTON, DC — On November 9, Americans for Safe Access, filed two requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for information on any discussions the Commission had about medical cannabis and specifically the only cannabis study referenced in the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis draft final report .
Geoffrey Marshall
Most Cannabidiol Oils Sold Online Mislabeled - Americans for Safe Access
By Pat Anson for Pain News Network
“This is a wake up call for the CBD industry to standardize their products,” - Jahan Marcu, PhD
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