c
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INTERNATIONAL
UN Recognizes Medical Value of Cannabis
In December, the UN Commission on
Narcotic Drugs (CND) reclassified cannabis to recognize its medical
value. By a slim majority, the 53 member states of the CND adopted the
World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation
on the change.
ASA and its program the International
Medical Cannabis Patients Coalition (IMCPC) have been fighting to
deschedule cannabis at the United Nations for over a decade. In 2016
ASA and the IMCPC produced an independent critical review of the
science on cannabis that was delivered to the UN, showing that
cannabis and its derivatives were improperly classified. The CND
decision to reclassify puts pressure on US federal agencies and
elected officials to reconsider the 50-year-old law on cannabis, which
does not recognize the differences between medical and recreational
use and makes activities authorized by state medical cannabis programs
federal crimes.
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FEDERAL
House Passes MORE Act, Includes Provisions for Veterans
On December 4, the U.S. House of
Representatives passed the first major cannabis reform bill, the
bipartisan Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act
(MORE Act). The bill, HR
3884, was sent to the Senate, but no action was taken. The bill
would have decriminalized cannabis at the federal level and allowed
patients to travel across state lines with their cannabis without fear
of punitive law enforcement intervention, fines, or jail time. ASA
worked to add a provision that authorizes research on the mental and
physical health applications of cannabis to veterans, mirroring the VA
Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2019, HR
712, which had not received a vote. The MORE Act would have
provided federal oversight over key components of medical cannabis
policy that states have struggled with, such as laboratory testing,
labeling standards, and businesses practices. The bill will be
reintroduced in the new Congress, where it will have a better chance
of getting a vote in the Senate.
House Passes the Medical Marijuana Research Act
On December 9, the U.S. House of
Representatives passed by a voice vote HR
3797, the Medical Marijuana Research Act of 2019, and sent it to
the Senate, where no hearing or vote was scheduled. If enacted, the
bipartisan legislation would remove many existing barriers to research
that can benefit patients. Researchers would be able to study the
cannabis products that patients and consumers are using in state
programs, and the act would direct the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services to issue a report on the results of medical cannabis
research. The Medical Marijuana Research Act will be reintroduced in
the new Congress.
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STATES
ASA's 6th Annual Report on State Programs
On September 10, ASA
released its annual report, the “2020
State of the States Report: An Analysis of Medical Cannabis Access in
the United States” which grades state programs from a patient
perspective. The 2020 report found COVID had a big impact, but it
wasn’t all bad news. Thanks in part to ASA’s
efforts, governors and medical cannabis directors in several
states put in place temporary regulations that further protected
patients while also guaranteeing no disruption to safe access to
medical cannabis for patients. Curbside pickup, delivery, and
telehealth were temporary regulations many states put in place to
ensure continued access to medicine. These COVID solutions also
addressed some of the pre-existing needs for patients.
Oregon and Oklahoma received top marks for their medical cannabis
programs, receiving an ‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively. Meanwhile, the 14
states that limit access to CBD oil or low THC oil received ‘F’s.
These highly restrictive systems are all failing to meet the needs of
medical cannabis patients. Even states with more robust programs have
areas where they are failing to meet patient needs , including some
states which have legalized cannabis for adult use.
ASA’s recommendations on how to end the federal conflict through an
Office of Medical Cannabis federal oversight is included in the Model
Federal Legislation report.
Link to full
report: www.SafeAccessNow.org/SoS
Link
to blog on Top 5 Key Takeaways from SoS Report: www.SafeAccessNow.org/SoS20_blog
5 States Pass Cannabis Initiatives in November
Voters in five states overwhelmingly approved cannabis ballot
initiatives on November 3. The new medical cannabis states are
Mississippi, where Initiative
65 got 74.1% of the vote, and South Dakota, where Measure
26 received 69.2%. For more details, see the ASA blog at safeaccessnow.org/election_2020_1.
In Mississippi, voters picked between competing
initiatives, choosing the less restrictive option. The initiative will
allow possession of up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis for patients
qualifying with one or more of 22 conditions. Patient registry cards
are to be issued by August 15, 2021.
In South Dakota, voters ended cannabis prohibition
altogether, approving both medical cannabis Measure
26 and adult-use Amendment
A. Measure 26 authorizes qualifying patients to purchase and
possess up to three ounces of cannabis, with no more than 8 grams to
be in a concentrated form, and grow up to three cannabis plants if no
cannabis retailers are licensed by a resident’s local jurisdiction.
The South Dakota Department of Health must have rules in place by
October 28, 2021, and have patient identification cards available by
November 18, 2021.
In Arizona, adult-use Proposition
207 passed with 59.8% support. The measure went into immediate
effect, allowing Arizona residents 21 years of age or older to grow up
to six plants and to purchase and possess up to an ounce of cannabis
and five grams of cannabis concentrates.
In New Jersey voters approved adult-use
initiative Question
1 with 66.9% support. The constitutional amendment, which is set
to take effect on January 1, 2021, imposes taxes but leaves rulemaking
up to state lawmakers.
In Montana, adult-use Initiative
190 passed with 56.5% support. The law went into effect January 1,
2021, and allows anyone 21 years of age or older to purchase and
possess up to one ounce of cannabis or eight grams of concentrate, and
grow up to four mature cannabis plants and four seedlings.
Louisiana Expands Medical Cannabis Program
Louisiana's highly restrictive medical cannabis program was
expanded to be more effective in 2020. Physicians can now recommend
cannabis to treat any “debilitating” medical condition. Cannabis
businesses may access more financial services, as legislation now
prohibits state banking regulators from penalizing banks and credit
unions for working with the industry. Lastly, physicians and medical
centers are explicitly protected by state law for recommending
cannabis or working with patients who use it.
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ASA INITIATIVES
A Solution to Cannabis Research Block
In 2020, Americans for Safe Access
proposed the creation of a new agency dedicated to cannabis regulation
and oversight. The Office
of Medical Cannabis Control (OMCC) would oversee the research
program and enable state-licensed cultivators to provide medical
cannabis to researchers. The proposal was part of a report, Ending
the Federal Conflict: Changing the Paradigm on Medical Cannabis,
calling for either descheduling cannabis or rescheduling it to a new
classification that would allow for cannabis to be used as a frontline
medication.
ASA’s model legislation provides a new regulatory framework for
cannabis and removes restrictions on research. The proposed OMCC would
establish consistent national oversight of operating licenses, minimum
standards for labeling and packaging, standards for cultivation, and
standards for testing for pesticides, heavy metals, contaminants,
adulterants, and other potential threats to health. States would have
to meet the proposed new federal standards, and those with more
stringent rules than the federal guidelines would be allowed to keep
them in place. The proposed legislation would also streamline research
access for medical cannabis by centralizing study approval under the
new OMCC. Under ASA’s proposal, the new OMCC would establish at least
one federally funded medical cannabis research and development center,
establish a federal system of laboratory standards, and create a
program for certifying research on medical cannabis. To learn more and
view the full report and draft legislation, please visit safeaccessnow.org/omcc.
ASA COVID Response Expands Access
When dispensaries and other cannabis businesses were ordered closed
to slow the spread of COVID-19, ASA responded immediately in
coordination with key stakeholders, holding an emergency national
meeting to gather information about issues that are affecting patients
and businesses. On March 16, ASA sent a letter to elected
officials and medical cannabis program directors urging them to
take action to protect patient access and the medical cannabis supply
chain, including classifying cannabis businesses as “essential
services.” Among the other recommendations are tax relief for patients
and cannabis businesses, guidance for dispensaries on temporary
changes such as deliveries and increased purchase limits, and
extension of program identification card expiration dates. Local ASA
chapters and other patient advocates have been instrumental in
reversing ill-considered restrictions or lobbying officials to do
so. ASA's resource page with recommendations and guidelines is at:
www.safeaccessnow.org/COVID-19.
Updated Medical Cannabis Travel Guide
In November, ASA updated its Medical
Cannabis Patient’s Guide for US Travel with the new changes in
state laws and reciprocity between states. Following the 2020 general
election, there are now 48 US states and four territories with some
form of a medical cannabis access, as well as 13 states and the
District of Columbia that now permit adult-use. Patients who travel
for personal or employment reasons can find answers about how to
access medical cannabis in an unfamiliar place at www.safeaccessnow.org/travel.
Tools for Educating Healthcare Providers
Americans for Safe Access made
available two free educational resources in collaboration with TheAnswerPage.com,
which provides accredited education to healthcare professionals, on
medical cannabis information. The “Healthcare
Provider Letter” invites your medical professionals to
increase their cannabis knowledge, earn continuing education credits
(CME), and receive Cannabis
Care Certification (CCC). TheAnswerPage.com and ASA also
published a short online video, “The
Endocannabinoid System and Medical Marijuana in 15
minutes!” This peer-reviewed educational resource
introduces the basics of how cannabis interacts with the
body. TheAnswerPage.com and ASA work together to provide high-quality
unbiased medical cannabis education.
CDC Meeting on Chronic Pain
ASA provided insights on using cannabis for pain management as part
of a stakeholders’ discussion with the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC asked patients, caregivers and
physicians to share their experiences with use of opioids for pain
management versus alternative treatment options as part of their
ongoing effort to update the Centers’ 2016 internal guidance. ASA
highlighted information on medical cannabis treatment options,
challenges faced by patients in securing access and the many
educational and training resources ASA has available for lawmakers,
regulators, researchers, physicians, caregivers and patients on
medical cannabis.
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ASA WEBINARS & PODCASTS
National Unity Conference and Lobby Day Online
Americans for Safe Access held its 8th
Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity conference online on March 27,
2020. The change to an online format allowed ASA to make the
conference even more accessible by lowering the cost of attendance and
making recordings of the expert panels available to watch any
time. Panels covered the latest developments in medical cannabis,
barriers to medical cannabis access, ideas about how to navigate
medical cannabis policy nationally and globally in a changing
political landscape, and ways to demand action from state and federal
elected officials. Instead of the annual Lobby Day with meetings on
Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staff, ASA arranged
for participants to engage in citizen lobbying from home. The
conference proceedings can be viewed at http://www.asaunity.org/watch.
Virtual Symposium on Neurological Conditions
In September, ASA hosted the Second Annual Cannabis Pediatric
Neurological Symposium in partnership with the Sonoma Chapter of
Americans for Safe Access. Participants learned about the
therapeutics of cannabis for pediatric use. The symposium included
medical and legal information, family testimonials, company profiles,
resources beyond pediatrics and support for caregivers.
Medical Cannabis Journaling
In July ASA partnered with Mindbuzz
and Tetragram to host a free webinar called “Take Control of your
Medical Cannabis Journey with Journaling.” The webinar featured a
behind-the-scenes look at Tetragram’s
new journaling app, as well as two medical cannabis patients
sharing their journeys and conversation with a panel of experts,
followed by a question and answer session.
Cannabis Education and Standards
On October 21, ASA presented “State of the States Unmasked: The
Status of U.S. Medical Cannabis Policy Amidst a Global Pandemic” at
the ASTM International’s D37 Cannabis Committee’s Global Workshop on
Cannabis/Hemp Standardization. ASTM International is an international
standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus
technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems,
and services.
ASA Executive Director Debbie Churgai participated in the
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s Medical Cannabis
Science and Therapeutics Virtual Fall Symposium, facilitating
professional networking sessions on September 30 and October 7.
On October 3, ASA’s Patient Focused Certification Director Heather
Despres contributed to an online roundtable discussion of Regulatory
Considerations for Clinical Practice & Research as part of the
CannaBizMD Cannabis Science + Therapeutics Provider Education Forum,
which was a virtual event.
Podcast Partnership with The Cannigma
ASA is now co-producing an
informational podcast
for cannabis patients, caregivers, providers and supporters. The
twice-a-month podcast with The
Cannigma, an educational website dedicated to the healing
properties of cannabis, includes segments during each episode
dedicated to highlight ASA’s advocacy. The Cannabis Enigma podcast
provides insight from medical cannabis researchers, doctors, and
patients sharing new developments, educational information, and
personal stories. The podcast is available on multiple platforms.
Listen today at the ASA
website.
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PATIENT FOCUSED CERTIFICATION
ASA/PFC Submit Comments to USDA on Hemp
Program
ASA’s Patient Focused Certification program submitted comments on a
proposed national domestic hemp program. PFC, a leader in regulatory
and testing standards, addressed in the comments additional
requirements for measurement uncertainty and the use of sound
scientific methodology when quantitatively determining THC
content. This is the second set of comments submitted to the USDA by
ASA/PFC. Review
the comments ASA/PFC submitted to the USDA.
PFC at Natural Products ExpoWest, March 3
On March 3, ASA's Heather Despres, director of ASA’s Patient
Focused Certification program, presented on a panel at the 2020 Natural
Products ExpoWest conference as part of a day-long summit on hemp
and CBD.
April Online Training for DC Compliance
On April 17 PFC offered a two-hour
compliance training for businesses operating in Washington,
D.C. PFC is the only licensed training provider for cannabis
operations located in Washington, D.C. This course provides an
overview of the District’s cannabis rules and regulations and shows
how to get into compliance. The course is designed to give individuals
a comprehensive foundation of knowledge of the laws and regulations
that govern day-to-day cannabis operations.
Webinar on Extraction Analysis
PFC Director Heather Despres presented information for
manufacturing operations on June 18 as part of the Science of Cannabis
Extraction Online Symposium. Despres explained Good Manufacturing
Practices (GMP) and third-party certification and auditing as a tool
for cannabis and hemp businesses.
Webinars
on Safety and Regulations
PFC hosted a free COVID-19 safety training for cannabis workers on
April 17th. The course is also available on the PFC website at www.safeaccessnow.org/sanitation.
This one-hour webinar provides information on health and sanitation
best practices for cannabis industry workers that have been deemed
essential. The training covers cleaning, personal hygiene and measures
such as social distancing. The training guides students through the
differences between general cleaning, sanitation and
sterilization.
Safety training was the focus of a webinar in September presented
by ASA’s PFC Director Heather Despres. The safety training for
volunteers at The Social Impact Center who are helping with National
Expungement Week, guided volunteers through proper use of personal
protective equipment and prepare them to interact with people during
National Expungement Week. The training can be found at: www.safeaccessnow.org/covid_safety_training_webinar
Despres will also be participating in a roundtable discussion as
part of a CannaBizMD
event on October 3. The panel, Regulatory Considerations for
Clinical Practice, addressed the unique challenges for U.S. healthcare
providers in navigating professional ethics, regulations, public
policy, and the impact on public health as medical cannabis programs
expand.
Virtual Abilities Expo
ASA had a virtual booth at the Abilities Expo Virtual Event 2020,
November 20-22, as well as an introductory session on cannabis for the
Abilities Community presented by PFC Director Heather Despres.
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UPCOMING EVENT
Strategic Planning Meeting for ASA
Members
On February 10th ASA will be hosting a 2021 Strategic
Planning Member Meeting at 3 pm ET (noon
PT). This members-only meeting will give our members the
opportunity to help us shape our 2021 agenda and our priorities in
state, federal and international advocacy. While membership is
normally only $35 a year, for the next few weeks only, we are offering
a special
discounted membership. Sign up today at www.safeaccessnow.org/member21
to receive our members-only emails which will include more information
about the meeting.
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ACTION ALERT
Share Your Support for Improved Access
ASA and other medical cannabis advocates successfully lobbied state
and local officials to ease restrictions on access in light of the
COVID pandemic. The improvements patients obtained should not be lost
when the pandemic ends. Take action today on social media to show your
support for maintaining the gains. Just go to safeaccessnow.org/maintain.
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