Smart Approaches to Marijuana is a non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, opposed to marijuana legalization and commercialization. SAM describes itself as a bi-partisan partnership that works with local, state, and federal legislators to create policies that decrease marijuana use. SAM advocates for civil penalties for marijuana use, along with mandated treatment, and supports maintaining misdemeanor and felony charges for production and distribution.
History and background
SAM was founded in 2013, by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, former White Housedrug policy adviser Kevin Sabet, senior editor of The AtlanticDavid Frum and a group of health professionals in response to the successful 2012 marijuana legalization initiatives in Colorado and Washington. Its mission is to educate citizens on the science 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. The group seeks to support the following four priorities:
Prevent Big Marijuana. SAM endeavors to prevent the formation of Big Marijuana, a potential commercial marijuana industry. SAM also seeks to prevent Big Tobacco from expanding its influence into Big Marijuana.
Educate. SAM works to inform the public and policymakers about what the group considers to be "the science of today's marijuana."
Reduce consequences. SAM aspires to open a dialogue about reducing civil and criminal penalties for marijuana offenders.
Medical research. SAM aims to encourage medical marijuana research and promote the development of FDA-approved marijuana medications.
In 2013, the organization was endorsed by former president Jimmy Carter, who stated "I'm very proud of Patrick Kennedy and his Project SAM, Smart Approaches to Marijuana". "I wish him and Kevin Sabet every success in your independent project to make sure marijuana is handled responsibly."
Issues
Criminal penalties for use
SAM supports removing criminal penalties for use, advocating instead for treatment.
Project SAM supports study of components of marijuana. The organization supports FDA-approved, pharmacy-based cannabis medications.
Funding
SAM says it is mostly funded by small donors, and by grants. Sabet has stated none of the organization's funding comes from corporations or opiate manufacturers. At least one donor, a private art collector dedicated to assisting substance abuse non-profits, gave $1,364,000 to SAM Action in 2016.
SAM has affiliated organizations in 50 states that work to support its mission at the state level. In addition to its network of state affiliates, SAM has partnered with Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, the California Coalition for Responsible Drug Policies, Mainers for Healthy Youth, the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts, and Nevadans for Responsible Drug Policy.
