Smart Approaches to Marijuana

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM, Inc.) is a political organization 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 (what some call decriminalization), along with mandated treatment, prevention, education, and awareness. The media has called SAM the "well-organized opposition" to marijuana legalization.
History and background.
SAM was founded in 2013, by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island), former White House drug policy adviser Kevin Sabet, senior editor of "The Atlantic" David 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:
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." Despite this, Carter has expressed support for marijuana legalization.
Prior to 2020, SAM led several successful efforts to defeat marijuana legalization measures in Ohio (2015), Arizona (2016) and North Dakota (2018). SAM's opposition to marijuana legalization has been less successful since the 2020 elections, which resulted in four marijuana legalization measures being approved in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota; SAM opposed all four and failed to prevent commercial marijuana sales from being legalized in Vermont shortly before the election. The following year, legislatures in New York, New Mexico and Virginia moved forward with cannabis legalization despite the vocal opposition of both Kevin Sabet and his organization. Commenting on the diminishing support for his cause, Kevin Sabet stated that marijuana's opponents were still extant but that many had "gone underground" in response to bipartisan support for legalization.
Issues.
Criminal penalties for use.
SAM supports removing criminal penalties for use, advocating instead for treatment.
Medicinal marijuana products.
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.
Media and activism.
SAM Action, Inc. is the 501(c)(4) sister organization of SAM.
State and local chapters.
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.