Tell Congress, Patients Need a Champion!

TELL CONGRESS PATIENTS NEED A CHAMPION 

Recent actions by the House Appropriations Committee have threatened the progress made in medical cannabis policy and patient access, exposing a lack of leadership on medical cannabis policy in DC. The passage of language in the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill aims to block rescheduling efforts and reopen the door for federal interference in state medical cannabis programs.(Read ASA's blog on CJS Amendment for more information).

URGENCY FOR ADVOCACY! 

Congress and the Biden Administration are addressing cannabis and cannabinoid policy issues that could significantly impact patient lives. These include the reauthorization of hemp regulations in the Farm Bill, the pending rescheduling petition, the FDA's call for new regulatory pathways, and the implementation of the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Act of 2022. These actions have reignited a visible pro-drug war opposition, putting medical cannabis policy and federal patient victories at risk.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Changes in federal cannabis policy are happening. Without the guidance of patient advocates, these activities could result in subpar policy solutions for medical cannabis patients and potentially scale back progress and innovation in state medical cannabis programs. Policymakers navigating this complex landscape need to hear from YOU to understand how to prioritize patient needs in federal policies such as restoring patients' rights, creating nationwide access, and forging a new pathway for cannabis therapeutics to gain recognition as a medicine.

ASA has developed a comprehensive legislative proposal for a national medical cannabis program, introducing a new scheduling category for cannabis and cannabinoids (Schedule VI) and establishing the Office of Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoid Control (OMC) within HHS. This proposal addresses the current piecemeal approach to hemp, rescheduling, and state-federal conflicts, offering a unified framework to protect and advance medical cannabis policy. 

ACT NOW! 

Now more than ever, we need advocates like you to take action. Send a letter to your representatives telling them to prioritize patients! Just fill in the information below and it will automatically send a letter directly to your representatives.