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Statement for the record from SAM KEVIN SABET Today I am speaking on behalf of multiple civil society organizations in the Drug Policy Futures network, including SAM, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, in opposition to some member states’ legalization of psychoactive drugs. These actions violate the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, and threaten international […]

Let’s Be Clear GA, National Families in Action, and Partner Organizations Severely Limit “Medical” Marijuana Bill in Georgia   Coalition pared down original 24-page “medical” marijuana bill to seven pages-eliminating, among other provisions, in-state cultivation; in-state dispensaries; unlimited THC % with no cap (instead of a 5% limit)   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2016 […]

GAO Calls Out DOJ for Not Documenting Plan to Monitor Marijuana Legalization Outcomes   Justice Department officials told investigators that they “they did not see a benefit” in documenting marijuana monitoring activities   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2016   Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993   [WASHINGTON, DC] – Giving substance to the saying, […]

Today, Dr. Madeline Meier, Professor at Arizona State University, commented on two studies (here and here ) regarding IQ and marijuana use. Dr. Meier stands firm by her previous research showing an up to 8-point reduction in IQ among heavy marijuana users. Her statement is here: “Unfortunately for your headline writers, there is no controversy here.  Our […]

JOURNAL PRINTS CORRECTION: MARIJUANA USE LINKED WITH 2.5-FOLD INCREASE IN PSYCHOSIS Psychology of Addictive Behaviors journal makes corrections, SAM calls on media to correct stories   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2016   Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993   [WASHINGTON, DC] – A prominent journal article about marijuana and health which resulted in media […]

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RELEASES SCATHING REPORT ON MARIJUANA’S HEALTH IMPACTS AS LEGISLATURE MULLS LEGALIZATION – PREDICTS 12th GRADE MARIJUANA USE TO INCREASE BY 10% IF VERMONT LEGALIZED MARIJUANA The report also predicts a near 30% increase in emergency room visits due to marijuana if the state legalizes FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2015 Contact: […]

DEA WAIVES REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR  CBD RESEARCH, ADOPTING SAM RECOMMENDATION   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2015   Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993   [WASHINGTON, DC] – Researching one of the non-intoxicating components of marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD), will now be made easier because of new DEA regulations released today. In line with SAM’s […]

Because of generous contributions, SAM is expanding again! We are hiring a full-time Communications and Marketing Director, and a part-time Special Assistant. FULL-TIME COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working on drug policy issues, is seeking an experienced, energetic, detail-oriented, full-time Communications Director in our office located in Old Town […]

 HHS Survey of States: For the First Time, Colorado Leads the Nation in Regular Marijuana Use Among Youth Comprehensive state-by-state survey reveals trends not captured in nationwide studies FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2015 Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993 [WASHINGTON, DC] – The most comprehensive federal government drug use survey conducted in all 50 states […]

PRESS STATEMENT December 16, 2015 8:30 p.m.   Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, SAM President Dr. Kevin A. Sabet made the following statement on the U.S. Solicitor General’s amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court regarding the case Nebraska v. Colorado: “The hype about the Obama administration’s brief […]

CONGRESS PREVENTS POT INDUSTRY FROM LEVERAGING BANKING SYSTEM TO MASS-MARKET MARIJUANA; ALLOWS DOJ TO ENFORCE FEDERAL LAW WITH RESPECT TO “RECREATIONAL” MARIJUANA USE   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2015 1:00 p.m.   Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993   [WASHINGTON, DC] – The Omnibus spending bill passed early this morning in Congress did […]

U.S. YOUTH DRUG SURVEY: MARIJUANA USE REMAINS STRONG DESPITE DROP IN OTHER DRUG USE; SURVEY DESIGN MISSES KIDS NOT IN SCHOOL   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2015 12:01 a.m.   Contact: Jeffrey Zinsmeister jeff@learnaboutsam.org +1 (415) 680-3993   [WASHINGTON, DC] – The nation’s annual school survey of drug use, Monitoring the Future (MTF), shows marijuana use […]