Americans for Safe Access

UPDATE

TRUMP & CANNABIS SCHEDULING

Hello Friend,

You’ve probably seen the headlines over the past few days claiming that cannabis rescheduling is all but done.

Here’s the reality.

Despite widespread reporting and speculation, this is all President Trump has actually said on the record about rescheduling—yesterday, in the Oval Office:

“We are considering that. Because a lot of people want to see it, the reclassification, because it leads to tremendous amounts of research that can’t be done unless you reclassify. So we are looking at that very strongly.”

That's it! 

Rescheduling may happen—but it is a good reminder that even if it does, it will not fix medical cannabis. And the growing belief that it does may be the most dangerous outcome of all.

But rescheduling alone does not legalize medical cannabis, does not integrate state programs into federal law, does not restore patient rights, and does not create a national medical cannabis framework.

If Congress decides this issue is “handled,” patients could be stuck waiting—again—for another decade.

For information on rescheduling:  Progress, Validation, and the Risk of More Congressional Complacency: What Schedule III Really Means for Medical Cannabis Patients

2026 Will Be an Unprecedented Year for Federal Medical Cannabis

Cannabis and cannabinoid policy is firmly on the federal agenda in 2026. The next year isn’t just busy—it’s decisive.

January: the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will close public comments on key policy changes that open the door for Medicare coverage, followed just days later by the expiration of FY2026 continuing resolutions for the Department of Justice, Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

February: The FDA is expected to publish lists of cannabinoids and definitions under federal hemp law—decisions that will influence which products patients can legally access.

September: the pressure continues through the year, with the FY2027 appropriations deadline on September 30th. 

November:  new federal hemp provisions take effect, including formal definitions of intoxicating cannabinoids, setting the rules that will govern patient access for years to come.

Every one of these moments will shape patient access for years to come.

Patients Need Representation, ASA Needs Your Support

Here’s the truth: federal policy change doesn’t happen without sustained, professional advocacy.

Over the past year, ASA has continued this work with extraordinary volunteer leadership. But passing federal legislation—and protecting patients through a rapidly changing policy landscape—requires dedicated staff, consistent media engagement, and full-time organizing.

ASA has passed federal legislation before. When we did, we had the resources to match the moment.

We are at another one of those moments now. Make a donation now! 

Patients may not always be in the headlines—but we are not sitting on the sidelines. With your support, we will keep pushing Congress to finish the job and deliver a true national medical cannabis program.

With gratitude,

Americans for Safe Access

Because safe access is healthcare—not a talking point.

2025 ASA Briefings & Organizing Meetings

Make Your Holiday Gift Mean Something...

Give the Gift of Safe Access

This holiday season, you can give a gift where it’s needed most—by investing in the future of medical cannabis access.

Your donation will go directly into ASA’s patient-centered campaigns. We’ll send an e-holiday card of your choice to your gift recipient, along with an ASA membership. And in the spirit of giving, we’ll include a membership for you, too.

Get a gift now!