Protect Patient Access Campaign

A Compassionate Response to Changing Federal Hemp Laws

Federal hemp law changes scheduled to take effect in November 2026 will significantly narrow what cannabinoid products can be sold as hemp. While these changes address concerns about the unregulated cannabinoid marketplace, they will also remove many full-spectrum cannabinoid medicines patients rely on today.

For millions of patients—including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, cancer patients, parents of children with rare conditions, and individuals living with chronic pain—these products have become part of their healthcare.

Many turned to the hemp marketplace only after encountering barriers in state medical cannabis programs, including high costs, geographic access challenges, restrictive eligibility rules, or limited product availability.

Unless states prepare their medical cannabis programs now, patients could lose access to therapies they depend on when the new federal definitions take effect in November 2026.

The Protecting Patient Access campaign equips policymakers, advocates, and communities with the tools needed to ensure a compassionate transition for patients while the nation moves toward a comprehensive federal medical cannabis framework.

Protecting Patient Access Campaign Resources

This campaign provides state leaders and advocates with practical tools to assess patient impact and to prepare medical cannabis programs to serve those affected by changes in federal hemp law.

Policy Briefing for State Policymakers

Protecting Patient Access: Assessing State Medical Cannabis Program Readiness to Accommodate Patients Impacted by New Federal Hemp Laws

This policy briefing and guidance document from Americans for Safe Access helps state policymakers:

• Identify patient populations affected by federal hemp law changes
• Evaluate whether state medical cannabis programs have the capacity to serve them
• Identify policy solutions to remove barriers to participation
• Implement compassionate transition strategies before November 2026

The briefing includes draft legislation & Executive Actions states can adopt to protect patients and ensure medical cannabis programs are prepared for the transition.

Read the Briefing →

Stakeholder Webinar & Outreach Tools

ASA has convened medical cannabis stakeholders—including physicians, pharmacists, veterans, and patient advocates—to examine the impact of federal hemp law changes and discuss how states can respond responsibly.