Americans for Safe Access, the largest organization of cannabis patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for health and wellness use and research, and the signatories of this petition are calling on the United States Congress to pass medical cannabis laws at the federal level.

Medical cannabis is legal at the federal level in nearly 50 countries. Although medical cannabis is legal in 36 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories, it is still illegal at the federal level, causing barriers to access and injustices to patients across the country.

Federal inaction harms patients across the country. Veterans are unable to access cannabis as a treatment option through their healthcare providers at V.A. hospitals, patients in federal subsidized housing are at risk of losing their homes, and children and families are unable to travel with needed medication or risk federal prosecution. Even registered patients and caregivers across the country continue to face legal, financial, and employment barriers due to the federal stance on cannabis.

Over 5 million Americans are registered cannabis patients. Simply legalizing, decriminalization, or passing recreational adult use laws is not a solution for patients. The federal government and Congress must keep patients at the forefront of the discussion to ensure that individuals do not lose access to lifesaving treatment options.

Urge Congress to pass medical cannabis laws at the federal level and consider the impact of any federal cannabis legislation on patients nationwide.