This manual is available for download in .PDF format (410k)

A Note from ASA

Local and national media coverage is an important part of informing our communities, opinion leaders, and potential allies about cannabis therapeutics and the challenges that patients, providers, researchers and doctors face. Patients and advocates must often take the news to print, broadcast, and online media outlets to be sure our voices are heard. As an advocate, you have an important role in shaping how news about medical cannabis is reported – and how it is received by the public-at-large.

The purpose of this manual is to help you better communicate with media about medical cannabis. Media attention can be a double-edged sword. It can be our best tool for educating and influencing the public. Sometimes, however, it can be an obstacle in the struggle to defend medical cannabis and protect patients. 

You can use the tools in this manual to find appropriate media, craft your message to be more effective, and avoid common pitfalls that prevent you from communicating the message that will support our goals.

Read this manual carefully and share it with your allies in the fight to promote safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. You will find additional tools on our comprehensive website or by calling our Headquarters in Oakland, CA. 

Get educated… and start communicating the importance of safe access!