I am thrilled to share my experience as a volunteer for Americans for Safe Access (ASA), a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring safe access to medical cannabis for patients across different states. Throughout my time volunteering with ASA, specifically during their Advocacy Academy and Hill Day events, I had the opportunity to engage in impactful activities that have left a lasting impression on me.
During the Advocacy Academy, ASA equipped me with invaluable tools and knowledge on effectively communicating with and educating legislators. The training sessions were comprehensive and provided me with the confidence to articulate the importance of patient access to medical cannabis. I learned how to effectively advocate for the rights of patients and how to navigate the legislative process to bring about positive change.
One of the most memorable aspects of my volunteer experience was participating in citizen lobbying on Capitol Hill. It was an empowering experience to engage directly with members of Congress and their staff, sharing personal stories and discussing the crucial need for safe access to medical cannabis. The opportunity to be a voice for patients and witness the impact of our advocacy efforts was truly inspiring.
Volunteering with ASA also allowed me to hear firsthand accounts from patients whose lives have been positively transformed through medical cannabis. These stories were incredibly moving and served as a constant reminder of the importance of our advocacy work. It motivated me to deepen my commitment to advocating on their behalf and to amplify their voices.
Beyond the meaningful work, ASA provided a platform for me to forge connections and friendships with a diverse network of individuals. I had the privilege of interacting with industry professionals, patients, and fellow volunteers who share a common passion for improving patient access to medical cannabis. These connections have enriched my understanding of the industry and opened doors to new opportunities for collaboration.
In summary, my time volunteering for Americans for Safe Access has been an empowering and transformative journey. The organization's dedication to advocating for patient access to medical cannabis is commendable, and their efforts have a tangible impact on the lives of countless individuals. I am grateful for the knowledge gained, the connections made, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of patients.
I wholeheartedly recommend Americans for Safe Access to anyone interested in joining a non-profit organization that is actively working towards improving patient access to medical cannabis. Together, we can create meaningful change and help build a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare system.
Thank you, Americans for Safe Access, for the opportunity to contribute to your mission and be a part of something greater than myself.
Sincerely,
Jassmin Brown
My son is a medical cannabis patient who relies on his cannabis medicine for seizure control.
Americans for Safe Access worked to make sure that medical cannabis businesses were considered essential during COVID, making sure that my son and others like him had their important medication available.
I wish more people knew about the amazing work of this organization! As a volunteer with ASA, I have seen the power of the people when we come together for a common purpose to inspire change and see to it change is made. Americans for Safe Access is working to overcome barriers to aid in providing safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. This organization (specifically their website) is often referred to as one of the most credible sources of information in the medical cannabis marketplace. Americans for Safe Access’ website offers a multitude of resources for the general public, including online training programs, political and legal reports, and additional resources. This organization is advancing public policy, educating patients and families on their rights and resources, building a strong level of empowerment within the community, and ensuring patient safety through creating product safety standards for medical cannabis products. I whole heartedly believe when they say they are here to stand up for patients and create change they truly mean it.
For the past 20 years, Americans for Safe Access has been instrumental in shifting the narrative around medical cannabis and pushing for policies that protect the rights of patients. Through their advocacy, ASA has achieved major accomplishments at the federal level (e.g., getting the CJS Amendment passed), the state level (e.g., crafting and passing Ryan's Law), and the local level (e.g., providing court support to individuals with cannabis charges).
I first heard of ASA through my graduate program in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics at the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. After graduation, I attended an in-person advocacy workshop that culminated in a group lobbying effort on Capitol Hill. I learned so much about lobbying, the work that ASA has been doing for years on behalf of medical cannabis patients, and their solution to the intricacies around legalizing medical cannabis at the federal level. The training was exceptional, and I believe that ASA has a thorough and well thought-out bill that makes sense and is focused that prioritizes medical cannabis safety and patient care.
I have been a proud member since their inception. ASA is the only advocacy group working to protect cannabis patient rights at the state, local, and federal level. They provide resources for patients/caregivers, medical professionals, industry, researchers, policy makers, advocates, and the general public. ASA has a long list of accomplishments, yet our work continues.