Latest News
Hearing Testimony, Videos, and Expert Letter Counter Marijuana Myths in the Senate
Today, staff from Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), the largest national policy group opposed to marijuana commercialization founded by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and White House advisor Dr. Kevin Sabet, testified in opposition to the SAFE Banking Act at a hearing held by the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. During the […]
BREAKING: Another Study Links Marijuana and Psychosis
Today, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry further links the use of marijuana with the onset of severe mental illness such as psychosis and schizophrenia. “This study is big as it is just one more in the scientific pile on connecting today’s potent pot with psychosis,’ said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of […]
Michigan Marijuana Rules are a “Pure Michigan Big Marijuana Giveaway”
The state of Michigan recently released the official rules and regulations under which the marijuana industry will operate in the state following the adoption of a ballot measure to legalize and commercialize the drug in November. In response, Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and its affiliate Healthy and Productive Michigan which […]
NEW STUDY: Living Near Marijuana Dispensaries Increases Likelihood of Youth Use, Favorable Opinions
Today, a new study published in the journal Addiction found that living near a marijuana dispensary increases the likelihood of marijuana use and frequency of use among young people aged 18-22. “This study proves if you live near pot shops and their ads, you’re more likely to use marijuana,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of […]
Testimony From SAM Staff Entered into Official Congressional Record in House Hearing on Marijuana Laws
Today, during a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing entitled Marijuana Laws in America: Racial Justice and the Need for Reform, Chairwoman Karen Bass entered written testimony submitted by Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. Kevin Sabet and Communications and Community Outreach Associate Will Jones into the official record. “We are disappointed this hearing hosted no witnesses […]
New Data By Koch-Funded Researchers Claiming Legalization Discourages Teen Use Is Deeply Flawed
Today, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics purports to show the legalization of marijuana leads to a reduction in teen use of the substance. This study, funded in part by the pro-drug legalization Charles Koch Foundation, is flawed for several reasons: It is based on the CDC YRBS, which completely omits Oregon and Washington – […]
United Nations World Drug Report Castigates American Jurisdictions for Lax Marijuana Policies
Yesterday, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the latest edition of the annual World Drug Report, specifically calling out the United States, and jurisdictions like Colorado, for their lax marijuana policies. The report found overall drug use and addiction are rising worldwide and singled out the rise in marijuana use. Additionally, […]
SAM Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse With Special Consultative Status Granted By the United Nations
On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) was notified by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that it received special consultative status to the United Nations. This status allows SAM to designate official representatives to the UN headquarters in New York, Geneva, […]
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill Into Law Putting Profits Above Health and Safety
Today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill to legalize the use of marijuana and its commercial sale into law, over the advice of the overwhelming majority of medical associations, public safety organizations, and social justice advocates. Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action), and its affiliate SAM Illinois – […]
New National Poll: 62% of Registered Voters Disapprove of Marijuana Commercialization
According to a new national poll, 62% of registered voters do not support the legalization and commercialization of marijuana when given more options than prosecuting possession or full legalization. The false dichotomy of legalization versus incarceration is pervasive in national polling, and is promoted by the marijuana industry and its supporters as it makes it […]
NEW STUDY FINDS POT REVENUE COULD BE LARGELY WIPED OUT BY INCREASED COSTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
A new study shows that a huge percentage of New York’s estimated revenue from legal pot sales would need to be directed toward costs associated with law enforcement and protecting public safety. Smart Approaches to Marijuana New York (SAM NY), in cooperation with the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, has released a first-of-its-kind study analyzing […]
BREAKING: House Adopts Amendment Blocking FDA from Protecting Children From Marijuana Industry
Today, the United States House of Representatives narrowly voted to approve the Blumenauer/McClintock amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill that will prohibit Department of Justice funding from being used to enforce federal law upon stores, facilities, and growers trafficking in so-called recreational marijuana. As a result of this amendment, the […]