USE THE MEDIA TO AMPLIFY THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL CANNABIS POLICY IN 2025 BY UTILIZING "LETTERS TO EDITOR."
Letters to the editor (LTE) are like comments published in a newspaper's editorial section. News outlets are more likely to print an LTE if you are responding to a recent news article they printed. Use our tips for getting LTEs published.
1. SEARCH FOR RECENT LOCAL NEWS ABOUT CANNABIS, THE NEW ADMINISTRATION & CONGRESS
2. FIND THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING AN LTE
You can use this list of local newspapers or search the publications website.
3. DRAFT THE LETTER
*********Example for Letters to the Editor*********
re: A Call for Presidential Action on Medical Cannabis
Dear Editor,
As the 47th Administration embarks on its first 100 days, millions of medical cannabis patients across America are watching closely. While President Trump has expressed support for medical cannabis on the campaign trail, now is the time for action.
The President has the power to take immediate steps to protect patients, including halting evictions of medical cannabis patients in federal housing, allowing VA doctors to recommend cannabis, and ending unnecessary drug testing for federal employees.
These actions do not require Congress, only the political will to stand with patients. We urge President Trump to keep his promises and prioritize medical cannabis policy in his first 100 days. Patients cannot wait any longer. #SafeAccess4All
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: Congress Must Put Patients First
Dear Editor,
With the 119th Congress now in session, lawmakers have a critical opportunity to advance medical cannabis policy in ways that will improve the lives of millions of patients. The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice have confirmed that cannabis has medical use. It is time for Congress to act accordingly.
Congress must continue to pass amendments to Justice appropriation bills to protect medical cannabis programs, allocate resources to expand research, and support comprehensive reforms to provide a long-overdue framework for patient protections and product safety.
Too often, misinformation in Washington has stalled progress on medical cannabis. Patients deserve better. We call on our elected officials to put patients first and take action now.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: Protecting Patients Must Be a Priority
Dear Editor,
The first 100 days of the 47th Administration and the 119th Congress will set the course for medical cannabis policy for years to come. For the millions of patients who rely on cannabis for relief, this moment is critical.
Despite bipartisan support for medical cannabis, patients continue to face housing insecurity, employment discrimination, and limited access to research-backed treatments. The Administration and Congress can change this by enacting commonsense policies that recognize cannabis as medicine.
Congress must pass legislation that protects patient rights, expands research, and ensures safe access to medical cannabis nationwide. The President must use executive authority to protect patients now. We urge our leaders to listen to science, reject misinformation, and stand with patients in this pivotal moment.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: Veterans Deserve Access to Medical Cannabis
Dear Editor,
As a veteran, I served my country with honor. Yet, I and many of my fellow veterans face an unacceptable challenge—our VA doctors cannot recommend medical cannabis, despite its proven benefits for chronic pain and treating symptoms of PTSD .
The 47th Administration and 119th Congress must prioritize our needs by allowing VA physicians to discuss and recommend medical cannabis just as they would any other treatment. Too many veterans are forced to seek alternative, unregulated sources or suffer without access to this vital medicine.
We urge our leaders to honor their commitment to veterans by enacting policies that recognize cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment. We served our country—now it's time for our country to serve us.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: Safe Housing for Medical Cannabis Patients
Dear Editor,
No patient should have to choose between their medicine and a roof over their head. Yet, medical cannabis patients in federally subsidized housing face eviction simply for using a legal treatment recommended by their doctors. This is an outrageous and inhumane policy that must end.
The 47th Administration can and should immediately halt evictions of medical cannabis patients in federal housing programs. It is unconscionable that sick and vulnerable individuals are being forced into homelessness because of outdated federal laws that fail to reflect the growing acceptance of medical cannabis across the country.
We urge the President to take executive action now. No patient should be punished for following their doctor’s advice.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: Congress Must Protect Medical Cannabis Research
Dear Editor,
Medical cannabis research is essential to ensuring that patients receive safe, effective treatments backed by science. Congress must allocate funding to support cannabis research, ensure rescheduling efforts move forward without obstruction, and provide clear regulatory pathways for clinical studies. Without these actions, millions of patients will continue to suffer without access to the best possible treatments.
The time for half-measures is over. We need bold action from our lawmakers to secure the future of medical cannabis research and patient care.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: The FDA is Not the Right Agency for Medical Cannabis
Dear Editor,
Congress should take note of medical cannabis programs in other countries and establish a specialized agency like the Office of Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoid Control (OMC) to oversee medical cannabis regulation. This would ensure patients have access to safe, effective products while preserving the ability to work with healthcare providers to find individualized treatments.
Congress must reject efforts to place cannabis oversight under the FDA, which is not equipped to regulate cannabis, and instead advocate for a patient-centered regulatory approach.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
re: Ending Federal Employee Drug Testing for Cannabis
Dear Editor,
Outdated federal drug testing policies are keeping qualified workers from contributing to our government simply because they use medical cannabis. It is absurd that in 2025, federal employees can still be disqualified from jobs or terminated for legally using cannabis under state law.
The 47th Administration must end cannabis drug testing for federal employees. As more states recognize the medical benefits of cannabis, federal policy must catch up. Employment decisions should be based on qualifications and job performance—not outdated stigma.
It’s time to stop punishing workers for following state law and using doctor-recommended treatments.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, State]
*********
4. SUBMIT
5. SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND THROUGH EMAILS WHEN IT IS PUBLISHED!
THAT'S IT!
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