Bay Area Americans for Safe Access

04/27/2026

Oh right... Patients!

Thanks, Ma*****na Moment, for publishing my Op-ed!
Read the full piece here: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/federal-marijuana-rescheduling-will-end-discrimination-in-housing-healthcare-and-employment-for-medical-cannabis-patients-op-ed/

If you want to know what patients are doing to gear up for Act 2: Join us Wednesday @ 8 pm: www.safeaccessnow.org/the_future_of_medical_cannabis_advocacy

and join us in DC May 13 & 14! https://www.safeaccessnow.org/asa_2026_lobby

04/24/2026

Americans for Safe Access Statement Regarding DEA and Department of Justice’s Actions to Reschedule Cannabis (Ma*****na) for Medical Access

“This is a big day for medical cannabis patients. Our federal government recognizes our medicine as legitimate, which means we are not only entitled to tax-free access but to federal protections. For millions of Americans who rely on medical cannabis, this is more than a policy shift — it is validation. It affirms patients’ lived experience and represents an important step in the right direction.

We are encouraged to see many of the ASA's concerns about Schedule III addressed in the order, as well as the use of language from our model federal legislation. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to unpack the implications of today’s announcement, which is sure to face legal, regulatory, and political scrutiny. But today, we are celebrating being closer than ever to a national medical cannabis program and to restoring patient rights. (This is a great gift for ASA's 24th Anniversary of fighting to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research!)

What happens next matters and will directly affect patient access and the integration of medical cannabis into U.S. healthcare systems. Americans for Safe Access calls on patients, caregivers, health care providers, and advocates to stay engaged and be ready to mobilize. We have to ensure patients’ voices are front and center of every policy discussion moving forward.

We encourage supporters to sign up through the ASA website, become a member, and consider joining us in Washington, D.C., on May 13 and 14 to help educate Congress as federal cannabis policy continues to evolve. www.safeaccessnow.org/asa_2026_lobby

ASA will also host a briefing for medical cannabis stakeholders this evening at 8:00 p.m. ET on Zoom:

https://www.safeaccessnow.org/monthly_unmc_briefing” and will issue a more formal analysis of the new order in the coming days.

A big thank you to ASA members, volunteers, and sponsors who all helped make today possible. “

Steph Sherer, Founder and Executive Director

Please RSVP: Patients: The Missing Link to Federal Cannabis Policy Reform

10/20/2025

Hello Everyone! Are you encountering a kind of defeatist drag in your colleagues—a loss of momentum that feels heavier than opposition itself?

After twenty-three years in this fight, it’s frustrating to watch advocates turn away when we’ve come so far. Like a black hole, the absence of hope and action pulls everything around it inward.

"Be the Unstoppable Force: The Physics of Medical Cannabis Policy" is my attempt to push back— one of an advocate’s essential jobs: to be a source of energy, A.K.A. a cheerleader in the system.

I’m always searching for metaphors that don’t rely on war or sports, so let’s see if physics does the trick—because I know that if we can recharge, truth and compassion can fuel us to victory.

Read more: https://www.safeaccessnow.org/

09/22/2025

Join us for ASA’s Fall 2025 Member Meeting!

We’ll review this year’s progress on key campaigns, share updates on ASA’s long-term strategic plan, and preview the actions and events ahead. You’ll learn how to plug into our campaigns, sharpen your advocacy skills, and explore new volunteer opportunities.

This meeting is exclusive to ASA members. Not a member yet? Take advantage of ASA’s 23rd Anniversary special—become a member for just $23: https://www.safeaccessnow.org/23_years

Not sure if your membership is current? Check your membership status: http://www.SafeAccessNow.org/MemberCheck

RSVP Now!: www.safeaccessnow.org/asa_fall_member_meeting_2025

09/17/2025

We are so excited to see these amazing folks come together to raise awareness about issues facing patients and the future of medical cannabis!

"Cannabis Businesses & Professionals United for National Medical Cannabis (UNMC) isn’t a new association — it’s an ASA Action Group. We’re uniting professionals and businesses to amplify ASA’s campaigns and strengthen a patient-centered healthcare future." -UNMC

Here is the press release: www.safeaccessnow.org/unite_for_a_national_medical_cannabis_program

Thank you, Kimberly Cargile, Aundre Speciale, Holly Lang, Pharm D, Don Duncan, Otha Smith III, and Karen Jaynes, MS, eRYT

09/17/2025

I have been having conversations like this a lot lately. It is nice to see it in print!
Thank You, Ma*****na Moment. Let the dialogue begin!

Read the article: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/the-fight-for-cannabis-reform-must-focus-on-medical-patients-not-taxes-and-banking-in-order-to-win-op-ed/

Look for more on Cannabis Businesses & Professionals United for National Medical Cannabis (UNMC): www.safeaccessnow.org/unmc or on LinkedIn In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13286374/

Kimberly Cargile, Otha Smith III, Holly Lang, Pharm D, Karen Jaynes, MS, eRYT Don Duncan, Aundre Speciale, Americans For Safe Access

09/09/2025

It's Go Time!

ACTION NEEDED: The Full Committee Markup for the DOJ Budget Bill has been rescheduled for Wednesday, 9/10/25, 10 am ETA

Take action now to ensure that Nebraska has protections, DOJ has to stay out of medical cannabis programs, and the cannabis scheduling process can continue: www.safeaccessnow.org/september_2025_cjs

09/03/2025

Wondering what the "Great Things" Campaign is about?

The campaign is building off a statement that President Trump made about medical cannabis when asked about rescheduling, ”I’ve heard great things having to do with medical [cannabis]…for pain and various things. I’ve heard some pretty good things."

The heart of the campaign is a greatly needed jolt of positivity and inspiration for our movement during a polarizing time! The campaign is capitalizing on this opportunity to showcase the "great things" about medical cannabis and the diversity of stakeholders who are experiencing its benefits. These stories are at the core of ASA's mission and our navigating light!

Join in the positivity and remind your network why medical cannabis policy is essential!

Join the campaign by posting your "great things" about medical cannabis photos and videos with us on Thursdays at 10 am ET on LinkedIn/Twitter and 2 pm ET on TikTok/ Facebook/ Instagram.

Get your campaign tools here:
MedicalCannabisGreatThings.org

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08/29/2025

Thank you, The Hill, for running this guest commentary!

Great timing with ASA's "Great Things" Campaign Thank you to my Americans For Safe Access Family!

Check out the article here:
https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5475039-medical-cannabis-policy-reform/ 💖

08/18/2025

Can Trump Reschedule Cannabis? Does Schedule III make state cannabis programs legal? Confused about what the President's remarks mean for

your access or future with medical cannabis. You are not alone!

I wrote this blog to help folks navigate the scheduling process and the next possible steps this administration can take toward finally recognizing the "currently accepted medical use" of cannabis. I also give a refresher on what these possibilities mean for Medical Cannabis stakeholders.

https://www.safeaccessnow.org/trump_rescheduling

08/03/2025

DC woke up to find that the CJS Markup Hearing had disappeared from the calendar. What now?

The Committee apparently decided to start recess early. That means they are headed home and will be in their districts for almost six weeks. (That's six more weeks to organize!)

Have a great weekend and keep an eye out for ASA's August Activities!

Please consider becoming an ASA member or making a donation today so we can keep the pressure on: SafeAccessNow.org/Donate

Thanks, everyone, for all your hard work! Stay Tuned!