Preventing the next Big Tobacco

Holding Big Marijuana Accountable,
Protecting the Public from Marijuana Commercialization

SAM’s primary focus is educating the public about the harms of marijuana legalization—a policy which has consistently placed corporate profits and addiction ahead of public health. We provide information on the harms of such policies to interested parties for use in messaging, and educate federal and state legislators on the benefits of a science-based marijuana policy.

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Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is

We envision a society where marijuana policies are aligned with the scientific understanding of marijuana’s harms, and the commercialization and normalization of marijuana are no more. Our mission is to educate citizens on the science of marijuana and to promote health-first, smart policies and attitudes that decrease marijuana use and its consequences.

Educating the public and policy makers on the harms of marijuana commercialization and legalization

We invest heavily in the longer-term goals of educating the public and policy-makers alike on the harms of marijuana use and marijuana commercialization, the importance of science-based drug policy, and research into the potential medical use of compounds derived from marijuana. Working with our state affiliates, we hold federal, state, and local-level briefings across the country on these issues, and produce and distribute a wide range of related educational materials at no charge.

 

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The Four Pillars of
Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Awareness

To inform public policy with the science of today’s marijuana.

Reform

To have honest conversation about legal reforms that include reducing the unintended consequences of current marijuana policies, such as lifelong stigma due to arrest.

Prevention

To prevent the establishment of Big Marijuana that would market marijuana to children — and to prevent Big Tobacco from taking over Big Marijuana. Those are the very likely results of legalization.

Research

To promote research on marijuana in order to obtain FDA-approved, pharmacy-dispensed, cannabis-based medications.

Stay Up to Date on Recent News

SAM 4/12/2024 Friday Fact: Delta-8 THC Exposures Among Age Groups in 2022

America’s Poison Centers 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System shows Delta-8 THC exposures among age groups. Overall, there were 3,358 Delta-8 THC exposures in 2022. Americans aged 19 or younger accounted for 56% of all Delta-8 THC exposures in 2022––those 12 or younger accounted for more than 40% of these exposures. Here’s […]
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Governor approves medical marijuana protections for public sector employees

Governor Glenn Youngkin approved employment protections for public sector workers on Monday, April 8. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 740,000 people in the Commonwealth work for the government. An original law passed in 2021 protected employee rights to use medical marijuana but didn’t specifically include public servants like firefighters, something JM Pedini, development […]
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Only 3 states have passed recreational weed ballot measures by more than 60%. Will FL be next?

As the campaign to get recreational cannabis legalized in Florida moves into its next phase, opponents and advocates of the proposal are operating under the same premise: The measure is likely to receive at least majority support by the voters in November. But that’s not good enough in the Sunshine State, which requires more than […]
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Be a part of ourgrowing coalition

Our partners consist of both individuals and organizations who promote big ideas and help us in this ongoing work championing smart policies that decrease marijuana use.

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We should meet people where they are at, but never leave them where they are at.

Congressman Patrick J. KennedyCo-Founder, Smart Approached to Marijuana

Kevin Sabet CND 2024
SAM FDPS 2024 Highlight Video
SAM VP Luke Niforatos on Danger of Hemp Products: "A matter of life and death!"
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