WASHINGTON — In light of the Drug
Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) announcement to schedule a hearing
on the rescheduling of cannabis, Americans for Safe Access (ASA)
emphasizes the urgent need for compassionate leadership in Congress to
advocate for the rights of medical cannabis patients. The DEA’s
decision to postpone federal reform until after November leaves
millions of patients and their families in uncertainty.
For over 50 years, cannabis has been classified as a Schedule I
substance, which has significantly hindered access to medical cannabis
and the integration of cannabis medicines into the U.S. healthcare
system. With 48 states allowing some form of medical cannabis use,
federal representatives must step up and support legislation that
protects patient rights and fosters an environment where cannabis can
be recognized as a legitimate form of medicine.
“Millions of patients, their families, and healthcare providers are
counting on leaders in Washington to prioritize their rights and
health needs,” said Steph Sherer, Founder & President of Americans
for Safe Access. “The delay in the rescheduling process only
highlights the urgent need for federal representatives who will
champion the integration of cannabis into our healthcare
infrastructure and advocate for the rights of those who rely on
it.”
To address these pressing issues, ASA has launched the Compassionate
Candidate Campaign, providing a platform for candidates
running for federal office to demonstrate their commitment to
improving the lives of medical cannabis patients. The centerpiece of
this campaign, the Compassionate
Pledge, serves as a commitment from candidates to sponsor
comprehensive medical cannabis legislation and educate their
colleagues about the challenges patients face.
The Compassionate Pledge outlines key actions that Congress must
take to restore the federal rights of medical cannabis patients and
integrate cannabis and cannabinoid medicines into the healthcare
system. Candidates who pledge their support send a strong message to
constituents that they prioritize patient needs and are committed to
legislative reform.
Recent polls have shown strong
support for medical cannabis in three key battleground
states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
As the DEA prepares for its hearing on December 2, ASA urges
candidates and elected officials to take a stand for patients and join
the Compassionate Candidate Campaign. It is essential that the voices
of medical cannabis supporters are heard and that their needs are
prioritized in upcoming legislation.
For more information on the Compassionate Candidate Campaign, visit
TheCompassionateCandidate.org.
About Americans for Safe Access
Americans for Safe Access is a non-profit
organization dedicated to ensuring safe and legal access to medical
cannabis for therapeutic use and research. With a commitment to
patient rights, ASA advocates for policies that support medical
cannabis patients and promotes the integration of cannabis into
healthcare systems nationwide.
