Preventing anotherBig Tobacco
Today’s marijuana is not the drug of a generation ago, and the industry selling it is following Big Tobacco’s playbook. SAM is the science-based alliance holding Big Marijuana accountable in Congress, the courts, and communities across the country.
The hemp THC ban takes full effect December 11, 2026, unless Congress delays it again. Delta-8 stays on shelves until then.
Three fronts, one goal: health before industry profits
PolicyNo. 1Washington and the statesWe work with both parties in Congress, federal agencies, the courts, and state legislatures: the hemp THC ban, the fight against rescheduling, and model laws for the 2027 session.Explore our policy work
Research and educationNo. 2The science of today’s marijuanaOur Science Advisory Council and research library translate peer-reviewed evidence on potency, psychosis, addiction, and youth use into facts the public and lawmakers can use.Visit the research library
CommunityNo. 3Parents, trainings, and the filmThe Parent Action Network, SAM trainings for schools and coalitions, and THC INC screenings bring the story of commercialization to communities nationwide.Join the Parent Action Network
Nonpartisan. Science-based. A middle road between incarceration and legalization.
Smart Approaches to Marijuana is a nonprofit organization that believes marijuana policy should follow the science. We educate citizens and lawmakers on the science of marijuana and promote health-first policies and attitudes that decrease marijuana use and its consequences.
We should meet people where they are at, but never leave them where they are at.
Inform public policy with the science of today’s marijuana.
Reduce the unintended consequences of current policy, such as lifelong stigma from an arrest.
Prevent an industry that markets to children, and keep Big Tobacco from taking it over.
Promote research on marijuana without commercialization.
From our studio and newsroom
The Drug Report is SAM’s daily news site. High Stakes and Fortitude are our podcasts. All three are free, and our YouTube channel carries the hearings, interviews, and clips in between.
Newsroom
The Drug Report
SAM’s newsroom. Original daily reporting on marijuana, psychedelics, opioids, kratom, and the industries behind them, plus Friday Facts: one research finding a week, sourced and explained. The truth about drugs, without the industry spin.
SAM’s official podcast
High Stakes with Kevin Sabet
Dr. Kevin Sabet examines the real-world consequences of marijuana policy in America and around the world, through the lens of science, public health, and responsible policy, with the researchers, lawmakers, and writers shaping the debate.
From the Parent Action Network
Fortitude: Turning Tragedy into Action
Parents whose lives were upended by marijuana tell their stories in their own words: loss, addiction, hope and recovery, and what they are doing about it. Thirty-five episodes and counting, made to educate and to mobilize.
In the spotlight
Wall Street JournalHas legal marijuana passed its high point?
Deep dive7 min readFederal policyMarijuana and rescheduling: the explainer behind the noise
TrackerWho funds marijuana legalization? Follow the money
ReportLegalization Impact Report 2026-2027
Stay up to date on recent news
September 1, 2026 · Press releaseThe Hemp THC Ban Is Still the Law. We’ll Make Sure It Takes Effect.SAM responds to the House vote sending a spending bill to the President’s desk that delays the federal ban on intoxicating hemp until December 11. The law has not changed, and neither has our plan to see it enforced.August 26, 2026THC INC Screening in Colorado
August 8, 2026Senate Caves to Hemp Industry, Votes to Delay Implementation of Hemp THC Ban
August 4, 202635 State Attorneys General Urge Congress to Reject Any Effort to Delay or Weaken the Hemp THC Ban
August 3, 2026Buried Provision Would Gut Hemp THC Ban Weeks After It Takes Effect
July 27, 2026Marijuana Is on Track to Become America’s #1 Addiction
Your voice changes votes
Lawmakers hear from the marijuana industry every day. Make sure they hear from you. Pick a campaign and send a pre-written message to your members of Congress or state legislators in about two minutes.
Get alerts before key votes
Choose the updates you want. We only write when there is something worth your time.
2027 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit
Join the researchers, lawmakers, parents, and advocates shaping drug policy, in Washington’s backyard. Hosted with the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions.
Championing smart policies that decrease marijuana use
Our partners are individuals and organizations who promote big ideas and help us in this ongoing work. Join them.