Preventing the next Big Tobacco

Holding Big Marijuana Accountable,
Protecting the Public from Marijuana Commercialization

SAM’s primary focus is educating the public about the harms of marijuana legalization—a policy which has consistently placed corporate profits and addiction ahead of public health. We provide information on the harms of such policies to interested parties for use in messaging, and educate federal and state legislators on the benefits of a science-based marijuana policy.

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Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is

We envision a society where marijuana policies are aligned with the scientific understanding of marijuana’s harms, and the commercialization and normalization of marijuana are no more. Our mission is to educate citizens on the science of marijuana and to promote health-first, smart policies and attitudes that decrease marijuana use and its consequences.

Educating the public and policy makers on the harms of marijuana commercialization and legalization

We invest heavily in the longer-term goals of educating the public and policy-makers alike on the harms of marijuana use and marijuana commercialization, the importance of science-based drug policy, and research into the potential medical use of compounds derived from marijuana. Working with our state affiliates, we hold federal, state, and local-level briefings across the country on these issues, and produce and distribute a wide range of related educational materials at no charge.

 

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The Four Pillars of
Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Awareness

To inform public policy with the science of today’s marijuana.

Reform

To have honest conversation about legal reforms that include reducing the unintended consequences of current marijuana policies, such as lifelong stigma due to arrest.

Prevention

To prevent the establishment of Big Marijuana that would market marijuana to children — and to prevent Big Tobacco from taking over Big Marijuana. Those are the very likely results of legalization.

Research

To promote research on marijuana in order to obtain FDA-approved, pharmacy-dispensed, cannabis-based medications.

Stay Up to Date on Recent News

Friday Fact: Adverse effects of prenatal marijuana use on neonatal outcomes

A systematic review found that prenatal marijuana use is associated with significantly increased odds of adverse neonatal outcomes, even after adjusting for factors such as tobacco use. Findings showed increased risks for low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age infants. Use of marijuana during pregnancy was linked to a 52% higher risk of preterm […]
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STATE-OPERATED POT SHOPS ARE LEGALLY DUBIOUS, PRESENT SERIOUS RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

Pot-Pushing Politicians Are Trading Young People’s Futures For More Government Spending (HARRISBURG, PA) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, released the following statement today in response to the Pennsylvania General Assembly voting to pass HB1200, which would flood the state with […]
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Jordan Davidson in Politico Pro: Congress takes more conservative approach to marijuana policy

Any cannabis legislation will face tough odds, but the bills introduced cater specifically to the GOP majorities. Five months into the current Congress, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have introduced a wide range of cannabis-related bills. But none of them are going to move soon, and it may take a few tricks on […]
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Be a part of ourgrowing coalition

Our partners consist of both individuals and organizations who promote big ideas and help us in this ongoing work championing smart policies that decrease marijuana use.

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We should meet people where they are at, but never leave them where they are at.

Congressman Patrick J. KennedyCo-Founder, Smart Approaches to Marijuana

The Dangers of Regulating Marijuana Like Alcohol | Will Jones
Common-sense, science backed drug policies should be the norm | Dr. Kevin Sabet
Patrick Kennedy | Marijuana Addiction & Commercialization's Impact on Vulnerable Communities
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