ASA

You cannot imagine the depression that sets in, as you contemplate the realities associated with fighting the government over a medicinal plant. I have seen everything I worked for destroyed by the harsh hands of a government that refuses to accept what scientists and medical professionals continue to say, "Cannabis IS a medicine," especially in non-smoked form. I try to stay strong amidst the pressures of facing a federal prosecution for something that one believes in. It would be a lie if I told you I was not depressed, angry, and frustrated, but I must stay strong in these times of peril. It is perative that we perservere and create awareness for all patients and providers to operate in a safe and effective manner.

Let me testify on behalf of the incredible work ASA does on a daily basis to defend cannabis therapeutics and how they personally have touched my life. When my company Tainted/Compassion medicinal Edibles was raided on September 26th I was notified while out of town on vacation with my family. Imagine being told that your entire organization was being held hostage by the DEA and having no means of finding out what was going on at your facilities. I immediately contacted ASA and Rebecca Salltzman fielded my call of hysteria. She immediately assigned a staff member to go directly to the scene and inquire about the safety of my staff. This information, although bleak, gave me an idea of what was happening and gave me perspective. They continued to follow up with the situation of my staff until they were all released and out of harm's way. Over the next week, as I arranged my surrender the entire ASA staff worked dilligently to respond to the negative press that was a result of a DEA press release and helped organize a very effective press conference that helped change the entire perception of my company in the media, which to this day in invaluable to me. They also fielded my calls that were filled with questions, anger, and sadness and always had encouraguing and supportive things that helped me not to lose my mind. Upon arriving at the press conference almost the entire staff was there waiting in solidarity with signs that read "DEA, Keep Your Hands Out of the Medical Marijuana Cookie Jar." They had all pitched in to make them theirselves amidst their already very busy schedules. I was greeted with hugs and handshakes from every member of the staff as I tremmored in fear of what may happen to me that day. It was awesome. They have continued to support me through this process and always have their doors open when my mind begins to wonder with questions of what may be. I cannot say enough about the service they have provided to me personally, as well as the immeasurable accomplishments they have made in the movement over the years. Please do support this organization, as there has been no other organization dedicated to the advancement of medical cannabis that has done so much work to provide freedom to cannabis patients and providers. I am often amazed at the misconception that some have about ASA, as if there was a room full of a hundred lawyers and activists to respond to every beckoning call. This is just not so. But the dedicated staff of professionals that do the work are some of the most intelligent, knowledgable, and kind people I have ever had the honor to know. Please do reach a little deeper and get this group the funding they need to make safe access a reality and eventually we will win this war on medical cannabis. They are an amazing group that deserves our deepest support. JOIN ASA TODAY so that patients and providers, such as myself, do not have to fight this battle on our own. Make a goal to double what you may have given in the past and every time you access your medicine safely, just remember that this group has made leaps and bounds to make that a reality. If you have already joined make a commitment to give more. Tell your friends and neighbors to join. Put some money in the jar when you see it. Volunteer your time to help out. But please do something because I am here to testify that I do not know where I may be right now if it were not for this upstanding organization and its dedication to this cause. Thank you all. Mickey Martin Tainted/Compassion Medicinal Edibles Director www.freetainted.com