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

INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT ON RESCHEDULING, DELTA-8 THC BAN, RESEARCH ON POT AND MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS INCLUDED IN AG/FDA APPROPRIATIONS BILL PASSED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE

Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (MD-01) Lauded for Their Leadership (WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a three-time White House drug policy advisor, released the following statement today after the House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, […]

SAM Friday Fact 07/12/2024: 2022 Survey Shows 40% of Past-Month Marijuana Users in Minnesota Reported Smoking Daily or Near Daily

The Minnesota 2022 Cannabis Report, from the International Cannabis Policy Study, led by the University of Waterloo, featured survey results from the Nielsen Consumer Insights Global Panel. In this survey, respondents aged 16 to 65 were asked about their marijuana-related behaviors and perceptions: Percentage of Marijuana Users in Minnesota Reporting Their Frequency of Marijuana Use in […]

LHHS APPROPRIATIONS BILL PASSED BY HOUSE COMMITTEE WITH REPORT INCLUDING RESCHEDULING FLAWS, HHS RESEARCH ON NEGATIVE MARIJUANA IMPACTS, MARIJUANA FIELD SOBRIETY TEST DEVELOPMENT PROVISIONS

Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) and LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (AL-4) Lauded for Their Leadership (WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a three-time White House drug policy advisor, released the following statement today after the House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY 2025 Labor, Health and […]

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