Dear Friend,

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)'s Government Affairs team has been busy fighting against the marijuana industry on Capitol Hill.

As SAM's Government Affairs Manager, I'd like to take a moment to update you on our efforts.

OUR TOP PRIORITY: The team has worked around the clock with allies in the House and Senate to fight against the SAFE Banking Act, a bill that would allow Big Tobacco to invest billions in the marijuana industry. The bill's supporters promised that it would be marked up by the Senate Banking Committee before the August recess, but they are continuing to hit road blocks because of the efforts of SAM and our Congressional partners. We also held a briefing in the Senate this month on the myths and pitfalls of SAFE Banking for Senate staffers. Dozens of offices attended our briefing in the Senate and were educated about why supporting SAFE Banking is a mistake.

SAM's Senate briefing on SAFE Banking

NOT JUST MARIJUANA: Our work partnering with Congressional Committees has only continued since we coordinated with the House Judiciary Committee for their fentanyl hearing in March. We continue to work with offices and the media on opioid issues, as well as the emerging issue of psychedelics.

YESTERDAY'S BIG DAY: For the past couple of weeks, we have been working with three Congressional Committees on important hearings related to drug policy. Yesterday, our Government Affairs team went to the Hill to work on and attend all three hearings.

The House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Financial Services and Health hosted a hearing on the legalization and FDA regulation of hemp. Many legal hemp-derived products like Delta-8 THC are addictive and intoxicating just like marijuana. SAM's President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet submitted testimony to the subcommittee advocating for a federal ban on all psychoactive hemp products. Read his full testimony here.

SAM staff at House Oversight Subcommittee hearing on hemp

The House Oversight Committee held a hearing with White House Drug Czar Rahul Gupta in preparation for Congress's reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Our Government Affairs team provided consultation for Committee on a wide range of issues from marijuana to harm reduction.

SAM staff at House Oversight Committee hearing with ONDCP Director Gupta

The House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance brought in DEA Administrator Anne Milgram yesterday. SAM helped Committee staff and members on both sides of the aisle strategize and craft their statements and questions.

SAM staff at House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing with DEA Administrator Milgram

Our Government Affairs team at SAM has never been stronger. We are making immense progress as we continue to build our coalition of supporters in Congress. But we can only keep doing this work with your support. Donate here to help us fight the marijuana industry!

Be on the lookout for more updates about our efforts!

Jordan