Aug 12, 2025

San Diego ASA Chair Shelby Huffaker, MPH talks to Thomas Marcotte, PhD, Co-Director of the University of California, San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR), about the CMCR’s research on cannabis and driving. The science may surprise you!

Aug 3, 2025

Recent news coverage of a report linking cannabis to youth suicide fails to paint the full picture. San Diego ASA explains the importance of understanding causation versus correlation.

Jul 7, 2025

Read San Diego ASA’s comment on the California Department of Public Health’s proposed hemp rules.

Mar 9, 2025

Read San Diego ASA’s comment on the City of San Diego’s proposed cannabis business tax increase.

Feb 28, 2025

With several tax increases on the horizon at both the state and local levels, the San Diego chapter of Americans for Safe Access has launched a new initiative to give patients and consumers a platform to demonstrate to lawmakers the already high cost of legally purchased cannabis products in the city.

Feb 12, 2025

San Diego ASA’s public comment on the County’s draft Cannabis Environmental Impact Report.

Jan 30, 2025

On January 30, 2025, the County of San Diego opened the required 60-day public comment period for its draft Cannabis Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Input from medical cannabis patients, advocates, and stakeholders is needed to ensure safe access is secured in the County.

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 16, 2024

In June 2024, the LA Times revealed widespread pesticide contamination in California’s cannabis market. Josh Swider, CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, will discuss the findings and consumer protection steps in a presentation on September 24, 2024. Register on Eventhi.com for Zoom access to this San Diego Chapter Americans for Safe Access meeting.

Jul 8, 2024

By Coleen Cusack, Esq. This letter was written in response to San Diego ASA blog post: Running on Empty Promises: How Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn Ashed the City’s Cannabis Social Equity Program “Actions may speak louder than words but patterns scream the loudest.”― Christine E. Szymanski With Gloria and Whitburn a pattern has...

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.

Jun 3, 2024

Community Budget Alliance calls on City Council to fully restore ALL equity-focused budget cuts