Dec 2, 2024

By Shelby Huffaker, MPH | Chair, San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access 2024 was a busy year for cannabis on all three levels of government: local, state, and national. Read on for a recap of the year and what to expect in 2025, with key action items included. Not on our monthly newsletter list? Sign up to make sure you never miss a...

Nov 5, 2024

By Shelby Huffaker, MPH | Chair, San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access When it comes to community organizing, particularly around cannabis, it can be easy at times to feel disheartened. However, when you consider all of the people toiling day in and day out to advance the rights of medical cannabis patients and consumers, it becomes clear that...

Sep 1, 2024

Shelby Huffaker, MPH, representing the San Diego Americans for Safe Access, critiques Carlsbad City’s new law banning cannabis smoking or vaping in multi-unit residences, arguing it hinders vital symptom relief for medical cannabis patients and unfairly impacts marginalized communities. Huffaker suggests equitable alternatives that safeguard public health while respecting individual rights.

Aug 31, 2024

Shelby Huffaker critiques the San Diego Grand Jury report on cannabis legalization, arguing it lacks context and citations while overstating negative impacts. Huffaker emphasizes the positive effects of legalization, such as reduced crime and fewer arrests, and calls for balanced, evidence-based public education on cannabis’ risks and benefits.

Aug 4, 2024

A San Diego Grand Jury report recommends stronger law enforcement against the illicit cannabis market. The author argues this is misguided, advocating instead for expanding legal cannabis outlets and addressing barriers to entry in the cannabis industry, particularly for marginalized groups. Increased criminalization is seen as wasteful and harmful to public health and equity.

Aug 2, 2024

The San Diego chapter of Americans for Safe Access invites the public to meet San Diego City Council candidate Coleen Cusack on August 24th, 2024 at Golden Hill Community Park. Coleen, a long-time resident of District 3, offers a fresh perspective and is running against Stephen Whitburn.

Jul 8, 2024

San Diego’s planned cannabis social equity program, designed to benefit communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, failed due to political inaction and budget cuts. Despite initial support and funding, Mayor Todd Gloria and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn undermined the initiative, prioritizing other interests, leading to the program’s indefinite halt.

Apr 27, 2024

Take action to save social equity programs in San Diego.

Apr 1, 2024

By Shelby Huffaker, MPH | San Diego Americans for Safe Access Co-Chair In 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom took a significant step towards supporting medical cannabis patients by signing Senate Bill 34: The Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Act into law. The legislation provided a lifeline to those reliant on medical cannabis by exempting donated...

Mar 5, 2024

California cannabis bills we’re watching in 2024.

Feb 5, 2024

While some progress has been made on the City’s cannabis social equity program, much is left to be desired.

Feb 5, 2024

Learn how to make a public comment to your local elected officials.

Jan 1, 2024

Happy New Year San Diego ASA members! 2023 was a busy year for cannabis, with many wins and challenges. National WHERE WE’VE BEEN: On the national level, Biden issued additional pardons for those with cannabis-related convictions and granted clemency to 11 people with disproportionately long jail sentences. The Department of Health and...

Dec 27, 2023

San Diego ASA has an urgent request regarding cannabis social equity.

Nov 2, 2023

During the 2023 legislative session, over 20 cannabis-related bills went to Governor Newsom’s desk. Read below for highlights on the bills supported by Americans for Safe Access: Passed SB 302 (Stern) – Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act. Extends Ryan’s Law to all chronically ill patients over the age of 65, requiring...