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

Dr. Kevin R. Sabet, Smart Approaches to Marijuana Team Honored With National Award For Being A Champion For Drug Free Kids

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The largest drug prevention group in the country, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), honored drug policy expert Dr. Kevin Sabet and the national public health policy organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) with the Raiko Mendoza Pagliarello Champion for Drug Free Kids during its 26th annual “Drug-Free Kids Campaign Awards Dinner.” SAM, which was co-founded […]
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Catholic bishops urge ‘no’ vote on Florida marijuana initiative

Florida’s Catholic bishops are urging residents to vote no on a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in the Sunshine State as activists on both sides continue to funnel millions of dollars into the record-breaking campaign. Amendment 3, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older, is the most expensive […]
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Fight Against Injecting More Drugs Into Massachusetts Communities Receives Boost From National Public Health Advocacy Organization

(BOSTON, MA) – With Bay State residents facing an onslaught of pro-drug advertising, SAM Action, in conjunction with its sister organization, the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, is giving a major boost to the Coalition for Safe Communities as it fights against the legalization of psychedelics, the opening of for-profit psychedelic centers, and the introduction of growth and […]
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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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