Training Center

Picture of protesters rallying at HHSASA believes that good policy is created when those who are most affected are at the table. Just because you are medical cannabis patient, it doesn't mean that you automatically have a degree in public policy. ASA has always been committed to demystifying political systems and providing advocates the tools they need to participate in the processes in a meaningful way.

A. The Informed Advocate

The best advocate is an informed advocate. The history of medical cannabis advocacy is a rich one, filled with brave individuals like you. The key to being an effective advocate is a firm understanding of our history, the political landscape in which you are operating, the rules of engagement and the ability to articulate your needs.

A Patient's History of Medical Cannabis
A history of medical cannabis - 2700 BC to present - from the patient's perspective.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning shapes and guides what an organization is, what it does, and why.
Know Your Rights
Make sure you know your rights and how to handle a law enforcement encounter.
Legislating Compassion
Advocates need to be involved in local legislation governing all aspects of medical cannabis.
Know the Rules of Engagement: Civics 101
A basic explanation of legislation and regulations and what you can do to influence the process.

B. Finding Your Voice

In order to be an effective advocate, you will need to find your voice. The training in this section will help you merge your personal experiences with strategic messages that will help you meet your political goals.

Medical Cannabis Spokesperson
A spokesperson is a powerful tool for medical cannabis.
Strategic Messaging
Finding the best argument available for the audience you need to reach.
Talking to the Media
Turning your strategic messages into talking points and sound bites to reach thousands of people.
Testifying before Civic Bodies
Public hearings are a great place to influence medical cannabis legislation.
Public Speaking
Inform, motivate, and persuade your audience.

C. Using Your Voice

Every political campaign will include a variety of strategies and tactics. This section will expose you to several strategies you can utilize in your advocacy and give you step by step instructions on how to master them.

The Tools in your Toolkit
Use the right tools to meet your goals.
Citizen Lobbying
Influence your elected legislators.
Media 101
Get your message featured in major media outlets.
Organizing a Demonstration
A demonstration is a great way to show our numbers, get out the message, and capture the attention of policy makers.
Organizing Turnout for Civic Meetings
Public meetings are a chance to articulate our message and show our strength to elected officials and the community at large.
Participating in Implementation
It takes reasonable rules at each level of government to put medicine in patients' hands.

D. Building a Movement

While it is true that a few individuals can accomplish a lot, it will take a strong, vibrant movement for us to achieve our ultimate goal - safe and legal access for all Americans. This section will give you the tools you need to build a strong movement that will help you reach your political goals.

Worksheet: What is a Movement?

Outreach and Recruitment
Building your group will develop strengths and ensure longevity.
Volunteer and Leadership Development
The best ways to develop and retain effective volunteers.
Coalition Building
Coalition building is how we build a movement.
Working with ASA
If you already believe in the medical cannabis movement, get involved with ASA!

E. Joining a Movement

When joining a movement, you are making not only a commitment to an issue, but a commitment to other individuals in our struggle. In our movement, our brothers and sisters are vulnerable to criminal sanctions. This section will go over programs and projects you can incorporate into your advocacy that support our movement.

Organizing Raid Responses
Set up a raid response in your community and help stop government interference with patients' rights.
Organizing Court Support
As advocates, it is our duty to support patients and caregivers going through the legal system.
Supporting POWs
Several patients and providers are in jail awaiting trial while others are in prison serving harsh sentences. Please show your support for these prisoners.
ASA Campaigns, Projects and Programs
Resources you can use to plug into ASA's campaigns.

Activist Boot Camp
ASA has created a DVD with an accompanying workbook that is organized into a two-day capacity training. This is a great way for chapters and affiliates to develop skills in your community. Click here for more information.
Buy The Medical Cannabis Advocate's Handbook
Get the entire Medical Cannabis Advocate's Handbook and other great merchandise from ASA's online store.