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

National Public Health Organization Launches Ad Campaign Against Amendment 3 And Highlighting Bipartisan Opposition to Pot Legalization

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to health-focused public policy and advocacy against the commercialization of marijuana, Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action), has launched a digital ad campaign in the closing weeks of the 2024 election cycle as it urges Floridians to vote NO on Amendment 3.  With the measure being […]
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Sabet: Amendment 3 is about much more than pot

The following op-ed appeared in Saturday’s Miami Herald In our polarized climate, it’s hard to identify any issue on which Americans agree. Yet, there’s one notable exception: corporate monopolies. A recent poll of 1,700 Americans found that 81 percent of likely voters and majorities of both parties agree with the statement, “I am concerned that […]
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Niforatos: Perspective: Marijuana Industry regularly skirts regulations to maximize profits

This year, Gov. Jared Polis proclaimed, “Colorado has always been a national leader in cannabis …” However, a look beyond the marketing schemes and flowery language shows a far more dangerous truth. The marijuana being sold in Colorado’s dispensaries comes with inherent risks, which have persisted because of a lack of urgency from regulators. That’s […]
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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

Debate was hosted by Tampa Bay Young Republicans.
Watch SAM's EVP Luke Niforatos Debate About Amendment 3
Vote No On Amendment 3!
Is Amendment 3 Bad For Florida? | Vote No On Amendment 3!
Vote No On Amendment 3!
Donna Shalala Wants You To Vote No On Amendment 3 | Vote No On Amendment 3!
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