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.
Dr. Kathryn Wells
Science Advisor
Dr. Christian Thurstone
Science Advisor
Dr. Hoover Adger
Science Advisor
Dr. A. Eden Evins
Science Advisory
Dr. Yifrah Kaminer
Science Advisor
Dr. Gary Kirkilas
Science Advisor
Ben Cort
Science Advisor
Dr. Marilyn Huestis
Science Advisor
Dr. Stuart Gitlow
Science Advisor
Dr. Paula Riggs
Science Advisor
Judge Arthur Burnett (In Memoriam)
Science Advisor
Dr. Sion Kim Harris
Science Advisory
Dr. Aaron Weiner
Science Advisor
Dr. Kimber Richter
Science Advisor
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.
Sign-up to receive critical updates and information about our work in communities across the country.
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
SAM ANNOUNCES NEW YORK AD CAMPAIGN: “WHAT IS MARIJUANA?”
Friday Fact: Between 2023 and 2025, support for legal weed PLUMMETED in America
Friday Fact: Frequent marijuana use starting early leads to a 51% higher chance of mental health problems
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.
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
