Press Releases

Press Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025

Contact: e. [email protected]

Emergency Town Hall to Address Urgent Threat to Federal Medical Cannabis Protections

Chesterland, OH—Americans for Safe Access (ASA) and Veterans Initiative 22 are convening an emergency town hall today to address a critical threat to federal protections safeguarding medical cannabis patients.

For the past decade, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been restricted from enforcing federal cannabis laws in states with medical cannabis programs, thanks to an annual budget amendment known as the CJS Amendment. However, this year's federal appropriations bill does not include these essential protections, putting countless patients at risk and threatening the stability of medical cannabis programs nationwide.

"Without these protections, patients face renewed uncertainty and potential disruption of critical medical treatments," said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access. "It's essential that we not only reinstate these vital safeguards but also push toward comprehensive legislation to secure lasting patient protections at the federal level."

"Veterans already endure a higher than average rate of chronic and severe pain and face a heightened risk of suicide," said Shanetha Lewis, Executive Director of Veterans Initiative 22. "Medical cannabis has proven to be an effective tool for suicide prevention and wellness. Losing these protections could literally cost veterans their lives. We must act now."

Many Ohio federal representatives support medical cannabis patients, including Congressman Dave Joyce, who champions legislation specifically aimed at expanding veterans' access to cannabis therapies. Congressman Joyce recently emphasized, "Millions of Americans have had opportunities for stable housing and employment foreclosed due to petty and non-violent cannabis-related offenses, including in jurisdictions that have since legalized the substance. Further, access to regulated and affordable medicinal cannabis remains out of reach for millions of patients, including veterans."

“Almost half a million registered medical cannabis patients in Ohio depend on Ohio’s Medical Cannabis program and are now exposed and vulnerable to federal interference, criminality, and insecurity in accessing their medicine, said ASA member and tonight’s event coordinator Karen Jaynes. “This year after year, chasing this appropriations bill is tiresome and in need of a better solution. That is why I am coordinating local advocates to push Congress to not only protect patients in the short term but also support Americans for Safe Access’s comprehensive legislation.”

This emergency town hall will discuss the potential implications of losing these protections and outline immediate actions community members can take to advocate for restoring and expanding these critical measures.

Event Details:

• Date:June 17, 2025
• Time:7:00–8:30 PM ET
• Location:Geauga County Public Library - Geauga West Branch, 13455 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026

Advocates are hosting events across the country over the next few weeks to mobilize support ahead of the CJS appropriations markup on July 9th. 

Who Should Attend:
Patients, advocates, medical professionals, veterans, and anyone committed to protecting safe access to medical cannabis.

More information: 

Report on federal interference before the CJS Appropriations Amendment: What's the Cost  

Background on Passing the CJS Amendment: www.safeaccessnow.org/wbw_mikulski

About Americans for Safe Access

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

About Veterans Initiative 22

Veterans Initiative 22 is dedicated to advocating for medical cannabis access for veterans, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatments for conditions such as PTSD and chronic pain.