Americans for Safe Access

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.ASA works with our grassroots base of over 50,000 members to effect change using public education & direct advocacy at the local, state, & federal level. ASAF trains & educates patients, advocates, health care professionals & other stakeholders. ASAF also provides direct legal support & uses impact litigation to protect & expand patients’ rights.

Until ASA stood up for access, the national debate around medical cannabis was focused solely on the legality & ethics of arresting & prosecuting patients for cannabis use. That experience is real, but reflected only a fraction of the experiences that patients & this community were having on a daily basis. ASA brought the patient’s voice to the table, & we shifted the debate to the real concerns of patients.

We created a vision for what safe access should look like, & the legal framework to support that vision through the passage of state and local laws and numerous court battles. Our extensive monitoring of implementation has helped thousands of patients to navigate the legal system, held law enforcement accountable for their actions, & established major policy changes. On Capitol Hill, we have fought back against attempts to further undermine our state laws, and we continue to work with members of Congress & the Administration to resolve the federal conflict.

Cultivating a thorough understanding of the complex realities “on the ground” has been the key to catalyzing empowerment & collective action. We cannot create good policy without including the voices and experiences of patients & those who provide them with access to care. That is what ASA members have brought to this movement & that is what we can bring to the states & country as a whole.

Company details

Website:
https://www.safeaccessnow.org

Headquarters:
Washington, DC

Year founded:
2002

Company type:
Nonprofit

Company size:
11-50 employees

Specialties:
Legislative Advocacy, Political Organizing, Electoral Impact, Legal Services, Medical Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, and Patients Right Advocacy.