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: 42% of drivers who died in fatal crashes had marijuana in their system

Researchers in Ohio conducted a study on years of traffic data and found that 42% of drivers who died in car crashes tested positive for active THC in their blood—at astonishingly high levels. The study also noted that based on the autopsy reports, these were clearly not cases of residual use but recent use, within an hour […]
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SAM Applauds Governor DeWine’s Executive Order to Ban Intoxicating Hemp Products, Calls for Full Legislative Ban of THC Products in Ohio

COLUMBUS—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet applauds Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order banning intoxicating hemp products.  “Banning dangerous and addictive drugs marketed to kids is a public health non-negotiable,” said Sabet. “Intoxicating hemp products were putting kids across Ohio in danger for years before Governor DeWine stepped up to […]
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Friday Fact: Using marijuana makes death after heart failure more likely

More bad news for marijuana users: Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University conducted a study that found that among patients with heart failure, marijuana users had a 19% higher chance of readmission and a 60% higher chance of death than nonusers. The researchers explicitly juxtapose these findings with the increasing social and legal acceptance of marijuana, cautioning clinicians to […]
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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

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