International cannabis law reform, cannabis biopiracy and indigenous genetics

Michael Krawitz is a U.S. Air Force veteran, longtime patient advocate, and one of the most influential voices in international medical cannabis policy. Michael has spent decades working at the intersection of veterans’ health, human rights, and drug policy reform. He served as a key civil society participant in the World Health Organization’s first-ever scientific review of medicinal cannabis — a historic process that helped reshape global scheduling policy. He also represents patients at the United Nations through the IACM Patient Council, where he advocates for non-discriminatory access to medical cannabis worldwide. Beyond global policy, Michael has been sounding the alarm about cannabis biopiracy , working to protect indigenous genetics and traditional knowledge. He’s also helping advance cannabis appellations , which aim to preserve regional plant heritage while supporting small farmers and patient choice.