Important Legislation Will Help Protect Public Health and Safety
April 5, 2023
Official Release
(LITTLE ROCK, AR) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former Clinton, Bush, and Obama drug policy advisor, released the following statement today in response to the passage of Senate Bill 358, which would ban Delta-8 THC and other hemp-based derivatives that have dangerous psychoactive and intoxicating effects. Last week, SAM Executive Vice President Luke Niforatos provided key testimony to the Arkansas House Rules Committee in support of the ban.
“Today’s vote is a victory for public health and safety, and we call on Governor Sanders to sign this legislation immediately. Too many families and communities have seen the harmful effects of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, including increased cases of addiction and heightened risk of psychosis. Even states with commercial marijuana markets, including Colorado and Oregon, have moved to ban Delta-8 because of these risks. We applaud the state legislators who supported this ban for their swift action.”