Americans for Safe Access
Definition: Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is a national nonprofit that advocates for medical cannabis patients, safe access to treatment, and cannabis research. Founded in 2002 by patient advocate Steph Sherer and based in Washington, D.C., it describes itself as the largest member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens focused on medical cannabis.
What Does Americans for Safe Access Do?
- Policy advocacy: lobbies Congress and states for patient protections, research access, and federal recognition of medical cannabis
- Legal support: has backed litigation challenging federal treatment of cannabis as having no medical value
- Patient education: publishes guides on state laws, patient rights, and product safety
- Product safety standards: promotes quality and safety standards for medical cannabis products
Why Does ASA Matter?
ASA has been one of the main patient voices in federal debates over medical cannabis, including support for the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment protecting state medical programs and for rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act.
Related terms: MMJ, Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, Prop 215, Controlled Substances Act
Sources: Americans for Safe Access.
