(CONCORD, NH) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton, released the following statement today in response to the New Hampshire cannabis commission’s vote to conclude its work without putting forward recommendations for THC drug legalization:
“This commission was supposed to be a slam dunk, because it was stacked with those who favored legalization. Instead, Governor Sununu got a reality check that makes it clear people across the state don’t want more addictive drugs in their communities. Our coalition made it clear using the best scientific and medical data that today’s THC drugs are dangerous and harmful to public health and safety.
“The addiction industry won’t give up its profits so easily though. They will likely let their lobbyists loose again during the state’s upcoming legislative session – where legalization has already failed 9 times.
“While the industry and their investors work to create a system that maximizes profits at the expense of lives impacted by addiction and mental health challenges, we’ll be educating legislators about the science that clearly demonstrates the dangers of these drugs.”
Dr. Sabet’s comments were echoed by former State Representative Susan Homola, the chair of SAM New Hampshire. “The commission’s vote shows us that many New Hampshire legislators, public health advocates, and law enforcement professionals recognize that commercialized drugs like these will harm New Hampshire,” stated Homola.