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What We Do

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. We work to overcome political and legal barriers by creating policies that improve access to medical cannabis for patients and researchers through legislation, education, litigation, grassroots actions, advocacy and services for patients and their providers. ASA has over 30,000 active members with chapters and affiliates in more than 40 states.

ASA is unique because we are employing strategies that have never been tried in the field of medical cannabis. ASA enjoys unprecedented access to elected officials and a special credibility with stakeholders due to its exclusive focus on medical cannabis. We are working to change federal policy to meet the immediate needs of patients as well as create long-term strategies for safe access and programs that encourage research.

Here is how we do it:

Federal Advocacy Project

ASA's National Office, located in Washington, DC, advocates for safe access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research to better meet the immediate needs of patients, medical professionals, and researchers. We help to broaden support for medical cannabis on Capitol Hill, and within executive agencies and national institutes.

California Campaign for Safe Access

The mission of the California Campaign for Safe Access is to monitor, implement, and improve medical cannabis law in California through protection and expansion of patients’ rights, using education, litigation, legislation, grassroots advocacy and direct support.

Take A Closer Look: Cannabis is Medicine

While the issue of medical marijuana carries 80% support nation-wide, many are still uninformed about the extent of the medical efficacy of cannabis. ASA is helping the nation to "Take A Closer Look" at the efficacy of medical cannabis though comprehensive outreach and education, proactive media strategies, and creative litigation.

Raid Emergency Response Campaign

Get prepared for actions in the case of a raid! The DEA and local law enforcement have continued their attacks on patients, caregivers and dispensing collectives. We must continue to send a clear message to the DEA: Cease and Desist!

Publications

ASA's staff will help keep you up to date with breaking news, monthly activist newsletters, weekly media summaries, relevant publications, quarterly federal newsletters, ways to plug into local community projects and ways to effectively communicate with your peers.

Patients' Rights Project

ASA’s Legal Affairs Department creates, protects, and expands the rights of medical cannabis patients through direct support, extensive monitoring, proactive litigation, education, organizing attorneys, and the drafting of legislation.

Patient Resources and Support

ASA offers an array of resources and avenues for support that include information on cannabis as medicine, resources for talking to your doctor, and a guide to the legal landscape including state by state laws.