Jan 3, 2026

2025 was a busy year for medical cannabis. We celebrated many meaningful wins on the local, state, and national levels, while also seeing with renewed clarity how much work remains to ensure safe, equitable, and affordable access for patients.

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...

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.

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

Apr 27, 2024

Take action to save social equity programs in San Diego.

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.