Cannabis legalization has given many individuals access to the products they need to improve their well-being. However, legalization would not be possible without cannabis rights organizations. These organizations push policy changes that make cannabis reform possible.
There are various cannabis rights organizations that operate today. Here are some you should be aware of.
Various Cannabis Rights Organizations
The Last Prisoner Project (LPP)
The Last Prisoner Project works with people who are serving sentences due to cannabis-related convictions. It is one of the cannabis rights organizations that aims to expunge criminal records. They have served over 40,000 prisoners who were unfairly convicted.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
NORML is one of the most well-known cannabis rights organizations. It has been operating since 1970. It supports the legalization of recreational weed. It has pushed several initiatives forward. It was instrumental in moving cannabis law enforcement to the bottom of police enforcement issues in 2006.
The organization works with hundreds of lawyers to increase cannabis decriminalization. It focuses on swing states to push legalization measures through. It also works outside the U.S. in countries like France, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DfCR)
The DfCR is a group of medical professionals who support medical marijuana and science-based regulation. Its board of directors consists of addiction specialists, primary care doctors, and psychiatrists nationwide. They aim to increase sensible legalization in the United States.
The organization is relatively conservative in its legalization efforts as compared to other cannabis rights organizations. It supports advocacy based on scientific research rather than public opinion. Some members have been elected to serve on city and state government boards to oversee regulation measures.
The Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CfRC)
The CfRC consists of cannabis rights organizations that have partnered to support the removal of cannabis from the Schedule I substance list. Members include:
- Patients Out of Time
- The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis
- The Drug Policy Forum of Texas
- Americans for Safe Access
- NORML
- Medically Minded CBD
Marijuana is currently a Schedule I drug meaning it has little medical benefit and a high potential for addiction. As a result, access to the drug is limited. It also makes it difficult for cannabis businesses to operate. It interferes with research opportunities.
The CfRC pushes for the rescheduling of cannabis, mainly to increase research and expand education regarding its medical benefits. It also aims to make marijuana use safer by finding alternatives to smoking and recommending dosage standards. Its achievements have made it a powerful force in cannabis legalization and policy.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU is among the cannabis rights organizations that support social equity in the cannabis industry. It aims to protect immigrants, women, and minorities who have been wrongly incarcerated for cannabis use. Its million-plus members lobby to change legislation and protect civil rights for marijuana users in the United States.
The organization has conducted several studies showing how minorities are more likely to be arrested for cannabis-related crimes and receive harsher punishments than non-minority groups. They help individuals fight unfair charges. Their team of thousands of volunteer attorneys represents incarcerated parties.
The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA)
The MCBA supports social equity in the cannabis industry on another plain. It aims to create a diverse workforce of cannabis company owners and workers in the United States. It provides individual members with information, resources, and connections to cannabis professionals and financial institutions. Corporate members are referred to cannabis professionals who provide financial assistance.
Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA)
Cannabis is especially beneficial to veterans. It helps them deal with pain, anxiety, and PTSD. The VMCA ensures veterans have access to marijuana wellness products.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)
The SSDP is comprised of students representing over 300 academic institutions. It ensures active and meaningful youth participation in the implementation and evaluation of drug programs and policies. It aims to reduce cannabis-related harm and increase education.
Women Grow offers programs for cannabis entrepreneurs. It helps women succeed in the cannabis industry. It aims to connect, educate, empower, and inspire upcoming cannabis leaders.
American Alliance for Medical Cannabis
The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis provides patients, volunteers, and caregivers with cannabis education so they can make informed decisions regarding medical use. They offer facts on cannabis laws, safe growing measures, and marijuana recipes. They host discussions with community leaders about safe access to cannabis, they distribute educational materials to local groups, and they conduct ongoing reviews of cannabis literature.
The Hemp Industries Association consists of hemp businesses and consumers who want to unleash hemp’s full potential so it can be used sustainably and equitably. It aims to improve the hemp economy and educate the public on hemp’s benefits. It monitors federal policies and regulatory developments to ensure members have every advantage to move forward in the industry.
Society of Cannabis Clinicians
The Society of Cannabis Clinicians is among the medical cannabis rights organizations. It is designed for healthcare providers who recommend cannabis to their patients. It offers education courses for the effective use of medical cannabis. Its research library offers vetted articles that provide informational resources.
National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
The NCIA was founded in 2010, It is the oldest and largest cannabis rights organization and industry trade association. It consists of hundreds of small businesses and tens of thousands of cannabis professionals. It works to advance policy reforms that support the industry.
Medical Marijuana Assistance Program (MMAP)
The MMAP is an under-construction program that aims to help people with financial hardships attain medical marijuana. Eligible patients and caregivers will not be required to pay ID card fees and background check fees. They will also receive a benefit per funding period.
There are a variety of cannabis rights organizations working to push reform and help patients, business owners, and providers. They will increase cannabis access and regulations around the country. Which can benefit you most?
