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

    Senate plans to advance cannabis banking bill by the end of month

    Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action, an organization against legalizing marijuana, is attempting to urge lawmakers who haven’t taken a position on the bill to oppose it. The group sent a letter to Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who has yet to formally endorse the legislation. Read the entire article here.
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    Republicans soften on federal marijuana reform in a shift that could make it a reality

    A bill that would let legal marijuana businesses get access to major financial and banking institutions is likely to have the votes to pass the Senate. Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action, a political organization opposed to marijuana legalization, urged Tuberville to oppose the legislation in a recent letter. “Marijuana is particularly dangerous for young people, a […]
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    Proposed Marijuana Rescheduling Doesn’t Follow the Science

    “This proposed change, like the drug up for discussion, doesn’t smell right. It comes just after intense pressure from pro-marijuana politicians in Congress and soon before a national presidential election. The precise timing of the announcement (HHS released it at 4:20pm) will make potheads around the country nod in approval, but DEA should reject this recommendation.” Read […]
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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