ASA in the News

By B.A. Dorfman for PotNetwork

In the pricey new world of craft and corporate cannabis, one organization is working to ensure that every American has access to medicinal marijuana. Americans for Safe Access announced on Friday a new partnership with Leaf411. The latter is a nonprofit group who works to provide education and “directional support” to the public regarding legal cannabis and how to use it safely. Together, both organizations are now working on what is being dubbed Leaf411’s Affordability program. Low-income medical cannabis patients needing financial support or other help obtaining their medicine will now be able to do so without issue.

As the two groups noted in a statement released on Friday access to medical cannabis is a growing concern among low-income patients who need it the most. Along with the cost of the cannabis itself, yearly evaluations by a physician, which are required by most states can often be a barrier to the most vulnerable patients. 

The new Leaf411 Affordability program will donate medical cannabis to low-income patients who need it the most. In addition, the program will offer financial scholarships to qualifying patients. Those who are unable to afford to comply with state regulations, such as annual physician checkups or the cost of medical marijuana cards will be eligible. 

In a statement, the ASA noted that they will become a “trusted resource” for anyone who cannot afford medical cannabis as part of this new program.

“Every year, ASA’s medical cannabis patient feedback survey cites the high cost of medical cannabis as one of the leading barriers to access across the country,” said Debbie Churgai, executive director of ASA in a statement. “Through  Leaf411’s Affordability program, ASA will be able to offer our members and supporters a trusted resource to use when financial support is needed to access their medicine. We are excited to have found a great partner to help low-income patients across the U.S. find affordable access.”

Leaf411 noted that they were “honored” to join forces with the ASA and were excited to work together to help patients in need.

“Our organizations have come together to assist those in need gain access to vetted, legal and compliant products and services that have been donated via the Leaf411 Affordability Program,” said Katherine Golden, CEO and co-founder of Leaf411 in a statement. “This partnership's mission is to help ensure the accessibility and affordability of safe and effective legal cannabis for those patients in need. Our shared goals are to provide support for low income patients and viable options where access to physician evaluations can be cost prohibitive.”