Cannabis Tax Hikes: What They Mean for San Diego’s Patients and Small Businesses

Cannabis Tax Hikes: What They Mean for San Diego’s Patients and Small Businesses

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.

San Diego ASA Comments on the County’s Draft Cannabis Environmental Impact Report

San Diego ASA Comments on the County’s Draft Cannabis Environmental Impact Report

Feb 12, 2025

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

County of San Diego Releases Draft Cannabis Environmental Impact Report for Public Review, Input from Advocates Needed

County of San Diego Releases Draft Cannabis Environmental Impact Report for Public Review, Input from Advocates Needed

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.

Year-End Recap of Cannabis in America: Where We’re Going and Where We’ve Been

Year-End Recap of Cannabis in America: Where We’re Going and Where We’ve Been

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...

7 San Diego Cannabis Activists We Are Grateful for This Year

7 San Diego Cannabis Activists We Are Grateful for This Year

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...

The Unintended Consequences of Cannabis Smoking/Vaping Bans: A Call for Equitable Solutions

The Unintended Consequences of Cannabis Smoking/Vaping Bans: A Call for Equitable Solutions

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.

Understanding Cannabis Contamination: A Presentation by Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs

Understanding Cannabis Contamination: A Presentation by Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs

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.

Meet and Greet with Coleen Cusack, San Diego City Council Candidate for District 3

Meet and Greet with Coleen Cusack, San Diego City Council Candidate for District 3

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.

Running on Empty Promises: How Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn Ashed the City’s Cannabis Social Equity Program

Running on Empty Promises: How Todd Gloria and Stephen Whitburn Ashed the City’s Cannabis Social Equity Program

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.

2024 Medical Cannabis Consumer Experience Survey

Participate in this survey to help shape patient-centered medical cannabis policies by sharing your experiences and insights. Your anonymous responses contribute to improving understanding and accessibility. Make your voice heard, make a difference, and share this page now!

California Compassionate Cannabis Donation Programs: A Lifeline for Patients

California Compassionate Cannabis Donation Programs: A Lifeline for Patients

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...

A Step-By-Step Guide to Making A Public Comment in Support of Cannabis Social Equity

A Step-By-Step Guide to Making A Public Comment in Support of Cannabis Social Equity

Feb 5, 2024

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

2023 In Review: Where We’ve Been, What We’ve Learned, & Where We’re Going

2023 In Review: Where We’ve Been, What We’ve Learned, & Where We’re Going

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...

In Support of SB 1302

Statement from Americans for Safe Access in support of California Senate Bill 1302 authored by Senator Lara which would prohibit local governments from banning delivery of cannabis within or outside of its jurisdiction (include a link to the bill).  The mission of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is to ensure safe and legal access to cannabis (marijuana) for...

Attend the Forum and say NOT Dumanis for San Diego County Supervisor D4

Attend the Forum and say NOT Dumanis for San Diego County Supervisor D4

Jan 14, 2018

Dear Friends, As many know, former San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis is running for County Supervisor District 4. Dumanis has been cruel to medical cannabis patients since she took office in 2003. She and her cross-deputized Narcotic Task Force are responsible for numerous raids on patients. And, in the courts she has used the most punitive and...