A brief rundown of SAM events

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** Recap of the 2024 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit ([link removed])
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The 2024 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit was held on February 1st and 2nd at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, which welcomed advocates and activists from across the country. The event aimed to raise awareness about the health-related harms of marijuana and featured a wide-ranging lineup of speakers, including U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean, former DEA Administrator Karen Tandy, journalist Sam Quinones, former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and many others.
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Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and her son, Harry Cunnane, sharing a heartfelt hug following Harry's inspiring discussion ([link removed]) about his journey in long-term recovery.
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Over 260 attendees came to the 2024 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit. The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by our participants truly underscored the importance of our mission!
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Dr. Kevin Sabet, SAM's President & CEO, and Luke Niforatos, SAM's Executive Vice President, proudly reflect on the years of dedicated effort they've invested in nurturing and expanding SAM.
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Former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy talking about the importance of addressing the complex issues surrounding marijuana use and its potential consequences for individuals and communities.
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Journalist Sam Quinones engaging in a comprehensive discussion on the potential harms associated with marijuana use.
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Teresa Haley and Will Jones engage in discussions about the significant impact of marijuana on communities of color.
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Luke Niforatos, SAM's Executive Vice President, and Dr. Gary Kirkilas kicking off the second day of the SAM Summit.
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The hardworking efforts of our amazing SAM staff at this year's Summit.
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Dr. Bob DuPont, NIDA's founding director, addresses our fundraising dinner attendees near the Capitol.

SAM presented the following awards:

Karen Tandy and Dr. Robert DuPont received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Heather and Randy Bacchus received the Patrick J. Kennedy Outstanding Advocate Award
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** Who spoke at our 2024 Summit?
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Dr. Gregory Bunt, Dr. Russell Kamer, and Dr. Bob DuPont engaging in a comprehensive medical discussion on the potential harms associated with marijuana use.
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Laura Stack speaking about how she tragically lost her child, Johnny, as a result of marijuana-related incidents. Lauren then founded Johnny's Ambassadors to educate about high-THC marijuana's risks on adolescent brain, psychosis, and suicide. ([link removed])
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Kristen Gilliland, an expert in the field of Chemistry of Drugs and Poisons, sharing a deeply personal story about how she lost her child, Anders, from massive marijuana use.

What actions did SAM take in Congress last week?
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U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) ([link removed]) and Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX) ([link removed]) , supported by Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD), introduced "Randy's Resolution ([link removed]) ," emphasizing the dangers of high-potency marijuana and urging government action.

Randy and Heather Bacchus, along with the SAM team, engaging in a conversation with Senator James Lankford (R-OK) about the inherent dangers of marijuana.
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We can continue our work thanks to your generosity. ([link removed]) We don’t accept funding from large corporate interests, including addiction industries or the private prison industry. We are funded by people like you—people who are also concerned about the future of our communities who want our children to grow up without the influence of addiction-for-profit companies.
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Help us defeat this marijuana crisis ([link removed]) . We humbly ask that you think of us and contribute toward our mission ([link removed]) .

Thank you for your support.

Dr. Kevin Sabet and the SAM staff
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Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) ([link removed]) is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. We are professionals working in mental health and public health. We are bipartisan. We are medical doctors, lawmakers, treatment providers, preventionists, teachers, law enforcement officers and others who seek a middle road between incarceration and legalization. Our commonsense, third-way approach to marijuana policy is based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety.

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