WASHINGTON, DC—Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) released a letter addressed to President Trump Monday, signed by a wide spectrum of SAM coalition partners, including the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for Legislative Action Committee, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents (DEAFNA).
“President Trump has an opportunity to make a stand for the safety of children across America by opposing the flawed proposal to reschedule marijuana,” said SAM President Kevin Sabet. “Marijuana has not been approved for any medical use by the FDA, nor has any raw plant. And it likely never will. It is an addictive drug with a high risk of abuse. That’s why it sat in Schedule I for decades and why it must stay there.
“We want to make sure that the president understands just how many voices are united in opposing any effort to move this dangerous drug from Schedule I to Schedule III. Our coalition comes from all walks of American life: policy professionals, addiction experts, law enforcement, people of faith, and families and communities across the nation.
“Despite the message of a splashy and expensive pressure campaign paid for by the industry and using celebrity names like Mike Tyson and Joe Rogan, what America really wants is for the president to protect public health and safety by leaving marijuana in Schedule I.”
“Rescheduling means a $2 billion tax break for Big Weed. It means more drugs and more users in our communities. It means more quality-of-life problems and more crime. It means more kids getting hooked thanks to pumped-up advertising budgets within the addiction industry.
“Mr. President, please hear us. We call on you to follow the science and keep your promise to make life better for All Americans.”