FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2025
Contact:
Shelby Huffaker
Email: shelby@safeaccessnow.org
SAN DIEGO, CA — Today, Vice Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Monica Montgomery-Steppe issued an official proclamation recognizing Medical Cannabis Awareness Week, observed annually from November 1–7. The proclamation honors the San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) for its longstanding leadership in advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of medical cannabis patients throughout the region.
This November marks the 29th anniversary of Proposition 215, the historic California law that established the nation’s first legal medical cannabis program. Since its passage, more than 1.92 million Californians—including thousands of San Diego County residents—have relied on medical cannabis to manage conditions such as chronic pain, cancer treatment side effects, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), epilepsy, and other debilitating health challenges. For many, medical cannabis offers a safer alternative to prescription opioids and other pharmaceuticals.
The proclamation emphasizes the important role that patients and advocates have played in advancing safe access over the years. The proclamation states:
“Medical Cannabis Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the courage and resilience of the patients and advocates who built this movement, and to recognize the continued importance of safe, science-backed access to cannabis for those who need it most.”
The proclamation also highlights the San Diego ASA Chapter’s essential role in:
- Championing patient rights
- Expanding safe and reliable access to medical cannabis
- Reducing stigma and misinformation
- Advancing evidence-based and compassionate local policies
Despite ongoing federal barriers and misconceptions surrounding medical cannabis, patient advocates and community organizations like ASA have worked for decades to protect access and ensure that individuals are not criminalized for using their medicine.
“After over two decades of advocacy by cannabis patients in San Diego, it is very gratifying to see the medical benefits of cannabis further legitimized by this proclamation,” said San Diego ASA Board member Terrie Best, who served as the Chapter Chair for 10 years until 2024. “Medical Cannabis Awareness Week is about honoring the patients who paved the way and recommitting to the work of ensuring equity and safe access for all who rely on cannabis as medicine.”
The proclamation officially names November 1–7, 2025 as Medical Cannabis Awareness Week throughout San Diego County.
Text of Proclamation
WHEREAS, 29 years ago, California voters made history by passing Proposition 215, making California the first state to legalize medical cannabis and expanding safe and legal access for millions of patients; and
WHEREAS, today over 1.92 million Californians, including thousands of San Diego County residents, depend on medical cannabis to treat chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, PTSD, epilepsy, and other serious health conditions, often as a safer alternative to opioids and other pharmaceuticals; and
WHEREAS, the San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access has been a leading force in championing the rights of medical cannabis patients, advocating for safe, affordable, and reliable access, reducing stigma, and advancing evidence-based policies rooted in public health and compassion; and
WHEREAS, despite federal barriers and lingering misconceptions, patient advocates have worked tirelessly to protect the civil liberties of individuals who rely on cannabis as medicine; and
WHEREAS, Medical Cannabis Awareness Week is a time to celebrate the courage and resilience of the patients and advocates who built this movement, and to recognize the continued importance of safe, science-backed access to cannabis for those who need it most; and
WHEREAS, the County of San Diego is committed to recognizing and honoring organizations that are dedicated to the best ideals of public service, and The San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access is one such worthy organization; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT PROCLAIMED by Chairwoman Terra Lawson-Remer and all members of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on this 4 th day of November 2025 that they commend the THE SAN DIEGO CHAPTER OF AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS for their outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the citizens of San Diego County and do hereby declare this week to be “MEDICAL CANNABIS AWARENESS WEEK” throughout San Diego County.
About Americans for Safe Access
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and advocates working to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
