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

SAM APPLAUDS STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL FOR CHALLENGING FEDERAL MARIJUANA RESCHEDULING ORDER

Washington, DC—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) applauds the state attorneys general from Nebraska, Louisiana, and Indiana for filing a joint legal challenge to the Administration’s final order reclassifying state-legal medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. These challenges were subsequently consolidated with SAM’s petition in the D.C. Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. “We welcome […]
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SAM FILES NOTICE OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE IN DEA RESCHEDULING HEARING

Washington, DC—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) announced it has formally filed notice of its intent to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s rescheduling hearing, scheduled to begin June 29, 2026, and will oppose the agency’s proposed rule to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. “This fight is not […]
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COURT DISMISSES ON STANDING GROUNDS: SAM VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST FEDERAL HEMP REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

Washington, DC—Today, in the District Court of Appeals of Washington, D.C., Trump-appointed Judge Trevor McFadden dismissed SAM and its co-plaintiffs’ challenge to the CMS BEI (“low dose hemp-THC”) program for lack of standing. Kevin A. Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), issued the following statement: “We fundamentally disagree with the court’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

PAN Director, Crissy Groenewegen, moderates a conversation with Dr. Raymond Wiggins, Sue Homola, and three PAN parent advocates, discussing the importance of personal stories, science, and collaborative efforts in educating parents about today’s high-potency products. This conversation brings to light how PAN works with others to offer parent advocates opportunities beyond legislative action. Join us for this profound discussion on how Dr. Wiggins and Sue Homola came together to write this book, how PAN supported their efforts in providing important parent stories, and why it is so important to educate parents.
The Blunt Truth: Building Collaborative Voices & Strong Partnerships to Educate on Dangers of THC
Heather Bacchus and Eric Burton join Kevin Sabet for Episode 2 of High Stakes to discuss THC INC — a new Documentary+ film examining how the shift from cannabis prohibition to legalization is impacting young people. Through a public health lens, the film explores increased youth exposure, marketing concerns, and the need for policies that protect children while moving beyond criminalization. Dr. Kevin Sabet sits down with author and advocate Heather Bacchus alongside THC, INC filmmaker Eric Burton to discuss the growing public health concerns surrounding today’s high-potency THC products and the cultural normalization of marijuana. In the full episode, Kevin, Heather, and Eric explore the rise of “Big Marijuana,” the science behind high-potency THC and adolescent brain development, the growing disconnect between public perception and emerging evidence, and why families, educators, and policymakers are increasingly sounding the alarm about the risks facing young people today. This is the official podcast of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS). MORE ABOUT HEATHER: Heather Bacchus is an author, speaker, and passionate advocate for youth mental health and substance use prevention. Drawing from her journey through loss, resilience, and hope, Heather authored A Higher Love: A Journey Through Addiction, Cannabis-Induced Psychosis, Suicide, and Redemption to highlight the hidden dangers of high-potency cannabis and the devastating impact it can have on youth and their families.​ Heather’s mission is deeply personal. In 2021, she and her family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when her 21-year-old son succumbed to cannabis-induced psychosis and completed suicide. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Heather raises awareness and educates others about the risks associated with today's highly potent cannabis products.As a professional speaker, Heather shares her heartfelt story backed by scientific evidence and offers actionable strategies for youth prevention. She co-leads Be Extraordinary, Be You with her husband, Randy, inspiring young people to make informed choices about drug use while encouraging them to be extraordinary, embrace their authentic selves, and live chemical-free lives. MORE ABOUT ERIC: Eric Burton is an award-winning filmmaker and editor whose work spans documentary, scripted, and unscripted formats. His portfolio includes projects for Fifth Season, 35 Ventures, Travel Channel, Discovery, and History Channel, with a consistent focus on stories rooted in social justice and human resilience. His credits include Kiss the Future—produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and winner of three audience awards—as well as THC, INC, a Wayfarer Studios documentary exploring the dangers of high-potency THC on adolescent brains, and My Friend Sam, executive produced by Judd Apatow, which follows Regina Spektor’s cross-generational friendship with a renowned violinist and Romanian Holocaust survivor. DOCUMENTARY+ // Home to the world’s best documentaries -- from Academy Award winning classics and box office hits to festival darlings and cult favorites. Nonfiction storytelling at its best, curated by the best. Subscribe now and stay tuned for future podcast episodes of HIGH STAKES with KEVIN SABET! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmartApproachestoMarijuanaSAM Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM): https://learnaboutsam.org/ Follow SAM on X: https://x.com/learnaboutsam Follow Kevin on X: https://x.com/KevinSabet Learn more about Kevin A. Sabet: https://kevinsabet.com/ High Stakes with Kevin Sabet is a production of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS). The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of SAM or its affiliates. This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes.
The Marijuana Industry Doesn’t Want This Film Seen | High Stakes with Kevin Sabet
From the SAM 2026 Summit: a crucial look at prevention, treatment, and real public health.
Drug Treatment: What Works? What Doesn't? With Albert Black, Tom Wolf, Russ Kamer, and John Puls
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