The cannabis industry has been rapidly growing in recent years, and with that growth comes the need for organizations that advocate for the safety and well-being of those who rely on cannabis for medical purposes. One such organization is Americans for Safe Access (ASA), which has dedicated itself to being a voice for the medical cannabis community for the past two decades. Throughout its 20 years of existence, ASA has made significant strides towards improving access to medical cannabis for therapeutic and research purposes. The organization has been instrumental in shaping legislation and regulations that ensure patients have safe and legal access to the medicine they need. Their tireless efforts have helped to destigmatize cannabis and promote its use as a legitimate medical treatment. ASA’s work goes beyond just advocating for access to medical cannabis. The organization is committed to improving the overall patient experience for those who rely on cannabis for their health. They understand that navigating the medical cannabis landscape can be overwhelming and confusing, and they strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. In short, ASA is a vital organization that has played an essential role in the cannabis movement overall and has been an unwavering champion for the medical cannabis community. Their commitment to the cause is something that we should all be grateful for, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact they have on the industry in the years to come.
Recently, the American Society for Anesthesiologists (ASA) released their eagerly anticipated annual report that evaluates the status of medical cannabis programs in various U.S. states. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the current legal landscape regarding medical marijuana and grades the states’ programs accordingly. It is fascinating to note that the 2022 report covers a staggering 55 states/territories, up from just 14 when ASA began issuing these reports back in 2014. This significant increase in the number of states evaluated indicates the growing acceptance and recognition of the benefits of medical cannabis. While this is undoubtedly a positive development, it is worth noting that no state received a grade of A in the report, and the grading was done on a curve. This implies that even the states with the most robust medical cannabis programs still have room for improvement. The report’s findings emphasize the need for policymakers and stakeholders to continue working together to refine and optimize medical cannabis programs, ensuring that patients have access to safe and effective treatments. Despite the lack of an A grade, the report’s broader message is clear: medical cannabis is gaining mainstream acceptance and is here to stay.
It was a close race, but the ultimate victor of the highly-coveted ASA award in 2022 was none other than the great state of Maryland! Despite receiving a B- grade, which was not the highest score in the competition, it was enough to bring home the gold. It’s important to note that this year was different from previous years, as no bonuses were awarded to states, and instead, penalties were given out for any poor policies or negative patient experiences. This made the stakes even higher and raised the bar for all participating states. In fact, the average grade for all states and territories reviewed was just 46.16%, underscoring the intensity of the competition. Nonetheless, Maryland was able to come out on top and claim the title of ASA champion for 2022! Congratulations to them for their outstanding performance and commitment to excellence.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recently made a statement regarding their stance on adult use of cannabis. While they are not necessarily opposed to the concept, the organization’s main priority is to ensure that patients who require medical marijuana are prioritized and given the best possible access to the treatment they need. Unfortunately, the ASA has noticed that in some states, adult use programs are prioritized over medical cannabis programs, which can have a negative impact on patients who rely on the treatment for relief from various medical conditions. In many cases, it seems as though patients are being overlooked or forgotten, with their needs taking a backseat to those seeking recreational use. This trend is concerning to the ASA, as it could ultimately mean that patients who need medical cannabis may not be able to access it as easily as they should. It’s important to remember that medical cannabis can be a crucial treatment option for many people, and it’s essential that they are able to obtain it without unnecessary obstacles or delays. In conclusion, while the ASA is not necessarily opposed to adult use of cannabis, they believe that patients who require medical marijuana should always be prioritized. It’s crucial that states and lawmakers take this into consideration when developing and implementing cannabis programs, to ensure that patients are able to access the treatment they need without unnecessary barriers.
Americans for Safe Access 2022 Annual Report
Americans for Safe Access (ASA), a leading advocacy group in the United States, has recently published its highly anticipated annual report, the “2022 State of the States Report: An Analysis of Medical Cannabis Access in the United States”. This comprehensive report, which delves into the current state of medical cannabis access in the country, is set to be an invaluable resource for patients, advocates, policymakers, and industry stakeholders alike. With its detailed analysis of the legal and regulatory landscape, as well as its insights into the challenges facing medical cannabis patients and providers, the report promises to be an important tool in the ongoing fight for safe and equitable access to medical cannabis across the United States. In short, the ASA’s 2022 State of the States Report is an essential resource for anyone interested in the current state of medical cannabis in America.
The report assesses the efficacy of each state cannabis program from the perspective of patients, and assigns a grade through the use of a rubric that encompasses over 100 categories, such as barriers to access, civil protections, affordability, health and social equity, and product safety. Furthermore, the report imposes penalties for detrimental policies. ASA disseminates the report to state legislators and regulators in all states, as well as numerous health and patient organizations throughout the nation.
States with medical cannabis programs are falling short in meeting patient needs, despite increasing registered patient numbers. The average grade among states is only 46.16%, with Maryland earning the highest score of 75.71%. Legislative improvements are declining, and recreational adult-use laws are negatively impacting medical cannabis access.