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** EXCLUSIVE: AMA’S SUPPORT FOR DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION SHOULDN’T BE MISCONSTRUED ([link removed])
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What is the data showing regarding allowing marijuana in sober living homes? Dr. Stuart Gitlow, a Past President of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Past Chair of the AMA’s Council on Science & Public Health, reveals the answer here ([link removed]) .
Read the Article Here ([link removed])
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** Perspective: Big Tobacco is Back ([link removed])
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SAM EVP Luke Niforatos stands strong for public health in his perspective, not backing down against Phillip Morris and the Big Tobacco industry’s bully tactics and exposing the addiction for profit giant.
Read the Denver Gazette Article ([link removed])


** PROSPER, Canada announces new Executive Director ([link removed])
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Policy Roundtable on Substance Prevention Education and Recovery ([link removed]) (PROSPER) welcomes first Executive Director, Christy Thompson.

Over the past 18 years, Christy has dedicated her career to the non-profit and government sectors, where she has gained deep insights into the unique, collaborative dynamics that define these fields. Her leadership roles have enhanced her ability to build strong

relationships and develop a strategic, hands-on approach to community engagement, communications, and
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change and issue management. Most recently, as the Executive Director of a municipal political party, she learned the subtle nuances of government relations and the importance of maintaining a broad perspective.

Christy is genuinely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to PROSPER ([link removed]) , a cause that holds significant personal meaning for her, and is committed to leveraging her experience to introduce innovative, collaborative ideas that drive meaningful change.


** In the News
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Denver urges federal government to reschedule marijuana ([link removed])
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NPHO partners with Arkansans to file committee to protect kids against marijuana addiction ([link removed])
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Kamala Harris' stance on marijuana has certainly evolved. Here's what to know ([link removed])
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Bill puts marijuana pipe dreams before NC health and safety ([link removed])


** SAM Webinar: Profiles in Mental Health Courage ([link removed])
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Register today ([link removed]) for the September 12th free webinar featuring former Congressman, Patrick J. Kennedy.


** Legislative Update
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Click Here for All SAM Actions ([link removed])

This past month, SAM had a number of victories on Capitol Hill. We successfully got amendments included in must-pass government spending bills that would order an investigation of the flawed marijuana rescheduling recommendation, block the rescheduling of marijuana, prevent medical marijuana from being sold within 1000 feet of a school zone, and ban hemp intoxicants like Delta-8 THC. We also helped draft a bicameral letter opposing rescheduling signed by members of Congress like Senate Minority Whip John Thune (SD) and Senator John Cornyn (TX), the two leading candidates for Republican Leader. Congress is out until September 9th, but our work continues!


** State Updates
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* Arkansas: The National Public Health Organization (NPHO) partners with Arkansans to protect kids against marijuana addiction. Learn more here ([link removed]) .


* Florida: SAM has partnered with Drug Free America Foundation to help educate for science-based drug policies in Florida. For more information on getting involved in Florida, click here ([link removed]) .


* North Carolina: The state General Assembly has adjourned with no decision on medical marijuana legalization, killing the bill for this session, but we anticipate it will be a topic for next session. If you live in North Carolina and would like to get involved, click here ([link removed]) .


* North Dakota: The North Dakota Marijuana Legalization Initiative may appear on the ballot ([link removed](2024)) this November. The initiative would legalize recreational marijuana, and individuals could possess up to 1 oz of marijuana, 4 g of concentrate, 300 mg of edibles, and be allowed to grow up to six plants per household.


* South Dakota: Initiated Measure 29 ([link removed](2024)) to legalize marijuana is on the ballot for this November. If passed, it will legalize the recreational use, possession, and distribution of marijuana for 21 and over. It would provide for possession limits of 2 ounces of marijuana, 16 grams of concentrated cannabis, 1,600 mg of THC contained in cannabis products, and allow for up to 12 plants per household.


* Ohio: Retail sale of commercially produced marijuana and high-potency THC-infused drugs began last week. Read SAM’s predictions for this market here ([link removed]) .


* Minnesota: The state has just passed the one-year mark of legalization. Learn how it is going here ([link removed]) .


** Grassroots
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PAN Director, Crissy Groenewegen ([link removed]) , recently presented at the International DARE Conference, in Orlando, Florida where she spoke with school-based personnel and law enforcement about the growing marijuana problem in middle and high schools. She provided attendees with resources and strategies for school resource officers to pass on to students and parents opening up conversations about today’s high potency THC products, how to avoid risky situations and having an exit strategy if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.


** Events and Trainings
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SAM EVP, Luke Niforatos, speaking on Amendment 3 at the Florida Sheriffs Association Conference

Luke with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

SAM Executive Vice President, Luke Niforatos, delivered a presentation at the Florida Sheriffs Association Conference educating Florida leaders on the downfalls of Amendment 3, a ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana this November. Luke met with key elected officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, the First Lady of Florida, the former Florida House Speaker, and Sheriffs from across the state.
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** Call for Presentations ([link removed])
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We're looking for dynamic presenters for our annual conference. Ever want to give a TED talk on some aspect of drug policy? If you say yes, then read on! The 2025 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit is the premier gathering for drug policy advocates around the country.

Submissions will be reviewed by members of the SAM & FDPS team and Board of Directors.

For more information, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=)

Register today for the 2025 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit ([link removed]) , once again taking place in conjunction with CADCA’s National Leadership Forum at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The 2025 Summit will take place on February 6-7.


** SAM Trainings ([link removed]) :
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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 that 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 ([link removed]) .

To schedule a training, please contact us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .


** Stat of the Month
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New study, Cannabis Use and Head and Neck Cancer ([link removed]) , finds that daily, long-term marijuana users have a higher risk of any HNC, as well as oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, salivary gland, and laryngeal cancer, compared with a group of matched individuals.


** Resource
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** Marijuana Myths and Facts ([link removed])
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Don’t be fooled by pot industry promises!

Science-based facts about marijuana and legalization to help you educate and advocate for health-first marijuana policies.

Learn More Here ([link removed])
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** SAM’s Marijuana Fact Packs: Available for your next event!
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Our updated table-top display packs offer current data and statistics on the negative impacts of marijuana. These packs are 9” x 12” x 4”, full color printing on 120lb card stock and open at the top where you can fill them with promotional materials like SAM’s one-pagers ([link removed]) or information on your organization.

To order, contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) .


** Donate ([link removed])
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The marijuana industry keeps pushing their addiction-for-profit practices that harm our communities and public health. We are the only national organization with a track record of beating them. Help us stop their dangerous policies by making a gift today ([link removed]) .
Support SAM’s Work Here ([link removed])
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Copyright 2024 Smart Approaches to Marijuana. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Smart Approaches to Marijuana 107 S West St. Ste. 757 Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
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