SAM updates, marijuana news, upcoming events, and research highlights CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT SAM'S WORK SAM in the News ABC Hawaii: Prosecutors Team Up with Smart Approaches to Marijuana for Conference Fox Colorado: Marijuana Rescheduling with SAM's Luke Niforatos Newsweek: Kevin Sabet: proposed marijuana rescheduling does not follow the science. Here's why that is a problem. Associated Press: US regulators might change how they classify marijuana. Here’s what that would mean POLITICO: Slightly higher times: Biden administration moves to loosen weed restrictions The Washington Post: Legalizing fentanyl is not the answer for overdose deaths The Albuquerque Journal: A warning for parents: Today's pot comes with serious consequences The Gazette: PERSPECTIVE: Hick skips the facts on pot The Morgan Citizen: Group wants Kemp to reject THC changes for Georgia independent pharmacies MORE NEWS FROM SAM SAM on the Hill Congress was in recess during August, but SAM was as active on the Hill as ever. SAM helped Congressman Chuck Edwards write a landmark piece of legislation called the Stop Pot Act. The bill would withhold a portion of federal highway funding to states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Over the course of dozens of meetings, we made progress on defeating the SAFE Banking Act and advocating for a Delta-8 ban in the Farm Bill. SAM and it’s Alabama allies also wrote a letter to Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville urging him to withdraw his support for the SAFE Banking Act. As you may know, the Department of Health and Human Services officially recommended that the Department of Justice reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug. Click here to download our talking points and FAQs. This non-binding recommendation is out of step with the wide scientific and legal consensus that marijuana is a Schedule I drug. SAM is drafting several letters, including one for Congressmen and Senators, addressed to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram and Attorney General Merrick Garland urging them to follow the science. Take Action HHS Recommendation to Reschedule Marijuana As you may know, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug. DEA and DOJ don't have to follow this recommendation. They are now conducting their own investigation which is why they need to hear from you. Click Here: Join Us in Telling DEA to Follow the Science SAM in the States Georgia: SAM responded to Georgia’s Board of Pharmacies rules change that would allow independent pharmacies to sell THC oils with an open letter to Governor Kemp to reject these rules. At least three media outlets published articles on the story Massachusetts: Sam has supported and provided resources to Bourne, MA residents. Bourne citizens have rejected the marijuana industry’s attempts to open marijuana stores in their attractive Cape Cod town FIVE times through Town Meeting votes. But still the marijuana industry, and some elected official persist and a sixth vote will occur this fall. SAM is with them throughout the process. New Mexico: SAM spoke at the New Mexico’s Business Coalition’s August event on crime and homelessness, addressing the connection between drug use and crime and homelessness. Maryland: SAM called out the state of Maryland and Wells Fargo Bank for their partnership to create “a unique tax smokescreen” as reported in Maryland Matters. Stat of the Month Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder and Reasons for Use Among Adults in a US State Where Recreational Cannabis Use Is Legal What is the prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) among primary care patients who use cannabis in a state with legal recreational cannabis use, and does prevalence differ by reason for use? Click here to read the JAMA study. Events and Trainings   John Daviau, SAM’s Director of State and Local Affairs (far right), takes part in a panel session in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The New Mexico Business Coalition invited John to address the impact of substance misuse on crime and homelessness. Dr. Kevin Sabet, the President & CEO for SAM & FDPS, delivers the opening keynote at the 2023 Arizona Drug Summit. Schedule a SAM Training today and learn what to say and how to say it. In-person and virtual trainings are now available for all age groups associated with non-profit organizations, corporations, healthcare, clinicians, social workers, counselors, schools, law enforcement and local community groups around the country who want to educate their communities and employees on all issues surrounding marijuana. To learn more about our speakers, please visit the training page on our website. To schedule a training, please contact us at: [email protected] Resource of the Month Click here to download our talking points and FAQs on the news that marijuana may be rescheduled. CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT SAM'S WORK Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a nonpartisan, non-profit alliance of physicians, policy makers, prevention workers, treatment and recovery professionals, scientists, and other concerned citizens opposed to marijuana legalization who want health and scientific evidence to guide marijuana policies. SAM has affiliates in more than three dozen states. Visit www.learnaboutsam.org to get involved. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) | 107 S. West Street, Suite 757, Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!