Nearly two dozen states from coast to coast are slated to participate in the second annual National Cannabis Patients’ Awareness Day, held on Monday, July 10, according to a press release. The nationwide event, timed to coincide with the notable canna-culture holiday - 7/10 or 'Oil Day’, will feature rallies and gatherings in multiple states across the country, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming. Founded by New Jersey based Sativa Cross, the event aims to call on state legislatures to expand rights for medical cannabis patients and unify the collective advocacy efforts in states across the U.S. The event also seeks to raise awareness about the harms caused by the corporate takeover of medical cannabis markets throughout the country, which include serious access issues, high costs of medicine, and too few options in limited licensed states. Edward ‘Lefty’ Grimes, event organizer and Sativa Cross founder, says he believes that medical cannabis patients have been “sold out” to large, multi-state operators (MSOs) and greedy corporate interests, especially in states that still criminalize home cultivation. “These large multi-state operators are focused on profits, not patients,” Grimes said. “Patients cannot afford the over inflated prices, and in some states, like New Jersey, patients are denied the right to grow their own cannabis for a fraction of the cost.” “We are taking back 710 from corporate cannabis and making it about patients,” Grimes added. Oregon co-organizer, Paul Stanford, says he is participating in the 7/10 awareness day for a second year because he believes substantial efforts are still required in his state and across the country to expand patients’ rights and legitimize medical cannabis in the U.S. healthcare system. ”Integrating medical marijuana into our health care options and regular recommendations will radically improve our care,” Stanford said. Cannabis was once an integral part of the U.S. pharmacopeia, but years of misinformation and prohibition have impeded research and set progress back. Jersey Organizer, Grimes, says the vision for the event extends far beyond a singular day of action. “Ultimately, our goal is to get all 50 states to participate and organize awareness events at their State Houses,” Grimes said. "Patients face diverse challenges throughout the country, but by uniting our voices we can empower advocacy efforts, use the momentum toward accomplishing important reforms, and build on each other’s successes." The New Jersey event will feature a rally at the State House in Trenton with speeches from activists and other guest speakers. The event will also include a dab bar, complimentary food and cannabis, a raffle, and more. For more information about the second annual National Cannabis Patients' Awareness Day and related events, please visit sativacross.org or contact LeftyGrimes@gmail.com. --
