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.

    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

    New Hampshire Senate rejects recreational marijuana legalization bill

    Dr. Kevin Sabet discussed the dangers of increased levels of THC and how it has made marijuana much more “potent,” raising potential health concerns. “Keeping the promotion, sale and advertisement of marijuana illegal, while decriminalizing its use on an individual level, removes the incentive of the industry from driving up use,” Sabet said.  Read the […]
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    NY Times: Why It’s So Hard to Crack Down on Stoned Drivers in New York

    Smoking marijuana while operating a vehicle appears to have become ubiquitous in New York City after the drug’s legalization. But it’s a trend, though illegal, that’s not easy to curb. Read the article, here.
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    Pot’s Future in Congress Is Murky. Here’s What Lawmakers Are Saying

    Federal lawmakers are mulling how — and when — to address the potency issue, which has alarmed state regulators. Anti-pot activists such as Kevin Sabet, head of the Smart Approaches to Marijuana, are stirring up the debate. His group opposes the SAFE Banking Act, a key industry-backed legislation that would give companies greater access to the financial system. Sabet is […]
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    View All SAM News & Resources

    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.

    Become a Partner Make a Donation

    We should meet people where they are at, but never leave them where they are at.

    Congressman Patrick J. KennedyCo-Founder, Smart Approached to Marijuana