The contemporary medical cannabis movement has its roots in the community response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980’s and 1990’s. AIDS patients and advocates had to fight hard for research and access to treatment – and even harder to dispel stigma and misinformation. It was only natural that people using medical cannabis to treat the symptoms of HIV/AIDS would bring the same tenacity to the fight for that medicine. Those early crusaders helped change the world for medical cannabis.

We can help honour this heritage and keep pushing forward in the global fight against HIV/AIDS today. Organizers all over the world are organizing events to commemorate World AIDS Day 2010. Have a look at the events calendar, sign a pledge to help end AIDS, or find you own way to join the fight.

Read more about the therapeutic use of cannabis in “HIV/AIDS and Medical Marijuana,” published by Americans for Safe Access (ASA).

From the ASA Blog – Medical Cannabis: Voices from the Frontlines

“December 1 is World AIDS Day, an international day set aside by individuals and organizations to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. The theme this year is “Human Rights and Access to Treatment.” Among other political and personal messages, patient advocates all over the world today will be talking to their friends, loved ones, media, and elected officials about the challenges HIV/AIDS patients face in access the health care they need. Let’s hope their voices will be heard…”

Read the entire post with links on the ASA Blog.