By Shelby Huffaker, MPH | Chair, San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access
Hi everyone. I’m Shelby, Chair of the San Diego Chapter of Americans for Safe Access, and I have some personal news to share: I’ll be stepping down from the Chair position later this month to pursue some exciting new opportunities. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll remain involved with ASA and the work we all care about.
But first, I want to take a moment to reflect.
Over the past three years—first as Co-Chair alongside the incomparable Terrie Best, then as Chair—this work has shaped me, both personally and professionally. I’ve made connections I’ll carry for life and had a front-row seat as San Diego’s medical cannabis movement evolved in ways that genuinely matter. Here’s what I’m most proud of accomplishing together:
Rebuilding our Board. We reconstituted a Board that now meets monthly and brings together long-time ASA veterans (many of whom have been involved for far longer than I) and energetic newcomers alike. Their expertise, creativity, and commitment have been the backbone of everything we’ve done, and I am so grateful for their support.
Bringing the community together. Our quarterly meetings at Sessions By the Bay, San Diego’s first and only cannabis consumption lounge, have become something special. Every time, I’m genuinely moved by how many of you battle traffic and busy schedules to show up. You make this community real.
Reversing the state cannabis tax increase. Working with NORML—including California NORML Director and OG cannabis activist Dale Gieringer, who came to speak at one of our meetings last year—to reverse the state cannabis excise tax increase. Your messages to state lawmakers undoubtedly played a role in reversing this harmful tax increase.
Earning a County proclamation. We secured recognition from the office of County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe proclaiming November 1-7 as Medical Cannabis Awareness Week in San Diego County. This November is especially significant: it marks the 30th anniversary of Prop 215, the landmark law that legalized medical cannabis use in California and set a precedent for the nation.
Advancing federal legislation. We secured multiple endorsements for ASA’s comprehensive federal bill, the Medical Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research Act (MCCA). If you haven’t yet, you can read more about the MCCA and send a pre-written letter to your representatives urging their support.
Building strong partnerships. Through ongoing collaboration with San Diego NORML and the Blue Dream Democratic Club—including our beloved annual joint holiday celebration—we’ve shown what community-led advocacy can look like at its best.
Fighting for equity. The Roll Up for Equity campaign to advance cannabis social equity in the City and County is still an ongoing fight, but the energy and commitment behind it is inspiring. I am grateful that ASA has been able (and will continue) to play a part in it.
Staying connected every month. I’ll be honest, I’m proud of this one. Since 2023, I’ve delivered monthly newsletters, fresh social media content, and kept the San Diego ASA website and events calendar current so patients and advocates always have a reliable resource.
Three years of advocacy means wins and losses—that’s the nature of this work, especially in cannabis. But the momentum is real, and I have no doubt that the next chapter of San Diego ASA will bring bold new ideas and fresh leadership to carry it forward.
Thank you for your support, your passion, and your presence.
With gratitude, Shelby
