Medical Marijuana (MMJ)

As discussions about the federal scheduling of cannabis continue, efforts by medical cannabis advocates are intensifying. One such advocate is Americans for Safe Access (ASA), a nonprofit organization founded by patients for patients. Since 2002, ASA has been championing the rights of medical cannabis patients and has recently launched new campaigns and strategies to refocus attention on patient needs. In this interview, Steph Sherer, founder and president of ASA, reflects on past successes in medical cannabis advocacy, shares her perspective on recent cannabis and hemp policymaking, and outlines the next steps for advancing a unified medical cannabis message on Capitol Hill—a message that could bring about the changes patients have long awaited.

This month’s Healer webinar provided a deep dive into several studies on cannabis for various conditions.

California’s bill creating new restrictions on intoxicating hemp products has prompted responses citing negative impacts on patients and businesses.

Americans for Safe Access, a medical cannabis patient advocacy organization, held a briefing on the final day of the comment period for the proposed rulemaking on cannabis.

The Senate’s latest attempt at legal medical cannabis access for patients was added to a bill on hemp regulations.

This month’s Healer webinar discussed several studies on cannabis and symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline.

Nebraska advocates are a few weeks away from knowing if two medical cannabis measures have enough signatures to qualify to appear on the 2024 ballot.

The new law eliminates the 37% excise tax for medical cannabis cardholders for certain products.

This webinar from MM411 explored the far-ranging studies of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and Dr. Ethan Russo on the science and medicine of cannabis and other plants.

The US Attorney General has initiated the process to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a less-restrictive Schedule III substance.

Kentucky Governor signs HB 829, and introduces lottery for dispensary applications.

As we celebrate the 4/20 holiday, here is a selection of medical cannabis coverage we have explored in the cannabis industry this year so far.

One step forward, two steps back: updates on cannabis legal movements in three different states.

After stalled attempts over the years, a bill that would create a medical cannabis program in the Sunflower State has made an appearance.

Clinically significant reductions in symptoms were reported.

A ballot initiative to expand medical cannabis access in Arkansas has been resubmitted.

Results highlighted the complexities of cannabis use and products among cancer survivors.

Bills placed before the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee proposed changes to the state’s medical cannabis program.

A new bill to define cannabis flower as an accepted form of medical cannabis recently advanced through a subcommittee.

A recently published observational study examined the risks of medical cannabis for developing various heart conditions.

Despite widespread legalization in the US, many legal cannabis operators can still be subjected to raids and government interference. In 2021, when we first met Jason Hanley, owner of CARE Waialua, he shared his passion for helping patients on his medical cannabis farm on Oahu, Hawaii and explained the rules and operation there. Recently, his farm was raided by the federal government reportedly for no stated reason, and he has yet to be charged with any crime or citation. Here, Hanley shares his story of what transpired, how it has impacted his farm and the patients he serves, and what he hopes to see change in the future.

Virginia residents are traveling farther for their medical cannabis due to high pricing.

The Senate recently passed a bill that would enable veterans to discuss and be recommended medical cannabis by Veterans Affairs doctors.

Ukraine may legalize medical cannabis this month for the benefit of millions of citizens.

Missouri will transfer $17 million from its cannabis programs to the Missouri Veterans Commission to support veterans' health care and services, following the success of both medical and adult-use cannabis programs in the state.

Ireland opens up their first medical cannabis clinic.

The University of Buffalo has received a grant from the NIH National Cancer Institute to research cannabis’s medicinal effect on cancer immunotherapy treatment.

A survey conducted by EO Care, Inc., showed that Americans would be more inclined to use cannabis to treat their health conditions if they were guided by a clinician.

The tribe recently issued its first medical cannabis card, marking a historic step in the state.

Aurélien Rousseau, the Minister for Health of France, promises to roll out medical cannabis access to patients throughout the country.