Press Releases

Morgantown, WV—Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Veterans Initiative 22, American Legion Post 426, and New Leaf dispensaries are convening an emergency town hall today to address a critical threat to federal protections that safeguard medical cannabis patients.

For the past decade, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been restricted from enforcing federal cannabis laws in states with medical cannabis programs, thanks to an annual budget amendment known as the CJS Amendment. However, the President’s budget omits these essential protections, putting countless patients at risk and threatening the stability of medical cannabis programs nationwide.

"Without these protections, patients face renewed uncertainty and potential disruption of critical medical treatments," said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access. "It's essential that we not only reinstate these vital safeguards but also push toward comprehensive legislation to secure lasting patient protections at the federal level."

“Veterans already experience higher-than-average rates of chronic and severe pain and face an elevated risk of suicide," said Shanetha Lewis, Executive Director of Veterans Initiative 22. "Medical cannabis has proven effective in supporting wellness and preventing suicide. Losing these protections could literally cost veterans their lives. We must act immediately."

The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act was passed by the legislature in 2017 during the peak of the opioid epidemic and signed into law by Governor Jim Justice. The legislation was championed by Delegate Riley Moore, now a Congressman, and patient advocates are optimistic that Senator Justice and Congressman Moore will continue their advocacy for patient protections in their new federal roles. As a member of the Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations Committee, Congressman Moore is uniquely positioned to champion these patient protections. As he stated in 2019, "The lives of our friends, families, and neighbors are at stake. It’s time for a change."

“Over 35,000 patients depend on West Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Program, but every year they remain vulnerable to federal interference and uncertain access to their medicine," said Veterans Initiative 22 founder and event coordinator Eryck Stamper. "With Congressman Moore advocating for us in Washington, we are hopeful for strong leadership that will protect patients immediately and advance Americans for Safe Access’ comprehensive legislative solutions."

This emergency town hall will discuss the potential implications of losing these protections and outline immediate actions community members can take to advocate for restoring and expanding these critical measures.

Event Details:

• Date:June 20, 2025
• Time:1-2 PM ET
• Location:Morgantown Public Library 373 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV

Advocates are hosting events across the country over the next few weeks to mobilize support ahead of the CJS appropriations markup on July 7th. 

Who Should Attend:
Patients, advocates, medical professionals, veterans, and anyone committed to protecting safe access to medical cannabis.

About Americans for Safe Access

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

About Veterans Initiative 22

Veterans Initiative 22 is dedicated to advocating for medical cannabis access for veterans, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatments for conditions such as PTSD and chronic pain.