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: Cuts to SAMHSA Prevention and Recovery Grantees are Cuts to Public Health

Washington, DC—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) condemns the Trump Administration’s recent cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s grants to vital prevention and recovery organizations that are doing effective anti-drug work.   “SAMHSA grants to prevention, recovery, and related organizations play a crucial role in stopping the demand for dangerous drugs and addiction. This work literally saves lives,” said SAM CEO Kevin A. Sabet. “These cuts will hurt […]
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SAM Congratulates Sara Carter Bailey on Her Appointment as Director of ONDCP 

Washington, DC—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) congratulates Sara Carter Bailey on her confirmation by the Senate as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.   “Congratulations to Sara Carter Bailey on her confirmation as the drug czar,” said SAM President and CEO Kevin Sabet.   “Sara is a strong, clear-voiced advocate for sane public health policy. […]
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SAM Condemns President Trump’s Decision to Move Marijuana into Schedule III 

WASHINGTON, DC—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) condemns in the strongest possible terms President Donald Trump’s decision to buckle under industry pressure and finalize the Biden-era rule to downgrade marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.  SAM President, Dr. Kevin Sabet, released the following statement:  “This rule, if finalized, will herald a public health disaster. It’s a full betrayal of the […]
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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

Join us as Director of Government Affairs, Jordan Davidson and PAN Director, Crissy Groenewegen answer your questions about the President's Executive Order to expedite the rescheduling process and what it all means. We discuss what changes, what doesn't, and why our advocacy remains profoundly important.
President Trump's Executive Order on Rescheduling Marijuana: What Does it all Mean?
Ludicrous or Serious? You be the judge.
High Times CEO Calls Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Ludicrous
Smart Approaches to Marijuana envisions 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.
Trump Rescheduling Marijuana Was Political Not Scientific
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