Plus, things you can do TODAY to help stop big marijuana
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Dear Friend,
Next week, several states will vote on ballot measures that seek to legalize marijuana and psychedelic drugs. We wanted to update you on what we have been doing to educate voters about the dangers of these industry-backed initiatives.
Despite being heavily outspent by for-profit companies and interest groups, we have been actively engaged on the ground in several states, alongside our coalition partners, including Protect Our Kids ([link removed]) . Our advertisements have received great feedback from voters and advocates alike, and we will continue our efforts in these states, no matter the results.
** Stopping Florida’s Amendment 3
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Florida’s Amendment 3 is a radical measure to legalize recreational marijuana that was written by corporate marijuana companies to further their monopoly. Because the possession of high amounts of highly potent THC will be enshrined in the Florida Constitution, marijuana will not be able to be regulated in a sensible way, threatening the health and safety of all Floridians. The measure has bipartisan opposition, including from Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and former Democratic HHS Secretary Donna Shalala. Read more from our partners at Vote No on 3 ([link removed]) .
SAM Action is working with our partners to educate voters on the ground through several video advertisements. Click on each image below to watch the video.
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Amendment 3 ([link removed]) was written by one of the most powerful pot companies in the nation, with the intention of maximizing its profits.
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Amendment 3 has bipartisan opposition
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Why former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, opposes Amendment 3
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Watch former Rhode Island Congressman and SAM Honorary Co-Chair, Patrick Kennedy, explain why Amendment 3 is ([link removed]) bad policy.
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SAM's Executive Vice President, Luke Niforatos, traveled to Florida to debate John Morgan, a long-time advocate for legalization, on Florida’s Amendment 3 at a Tampa Bay Young Republicans Event.
Watch Luke debate John Morgan against Amendment 3. ([link removed])
Stopping North Dakota’s Initiated Measure 5 and South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 29
In addition to running several educational advertisements in North Dakota, as well as text message GOTV efforts, SAM Action is partnering with grassroots leaders to educate voters on the harms of the legalization of marijuana in both North Dakota and South Dakota. Although both states have previously rejected attempts at legalization, they will again be voting on similar proposals in November.
To get involved in North Dakota, please click here. ([link removed])
To get involved in South Dakota, please click here. ([link removed])
** Victory in Arkansas!
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In a tremendous victory for public health and safety, the Arkansas State Supreme Court ruled in favor of Protect Arkansas Kids’ legal challenge to the state’s marijuana legalization ballot initiative, effectively defeating the ballot initiative before it was even voted on.
In a 4-3 ruling, the Court declared the ballot title for the proposed constitutional amendment with the popular name “Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024” was misleading because it indicated to voters that the proposed amendment only concerns marijuana for medical purposes, yet it seeks to legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for all purposes if triggered by federal action.
Read more here. ([link removed])
Copies of the motions filed with the Arkansas Supreme Court can be found HERE ([link removed]) and HERE ([link removed]) .
** Stopping Question 4 in Massachusetts
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This November, Massachusetts voters will decide on Question 4, a ballot referendum that would allow individuals to grow psychedelics in a 12-foot by 12-foot area and then distribute such products, among other provisions. If passed, the referendum would immediately create a massive loophole for an unregulated and unsafe illicit market for psychedelics in the state. Much like with marijuana, these drugs are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of any disease or condition.
Question 4 represents the addiction-for-profit industry’s latest effort to get its hooks into the public consciousness, driving an agenda that threatens public health and results in more commercial drug sales. First, they told us so-called "medical marijuana" would be the wonder drug that would cure our ailments and reduce addiction. Now, after marijuana failed to deliver as promised, many are turning to other drugs like psilocybin mushrooms and ibogaine.
SAM Action, in conjunction with its sister organization, the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions
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Read more here. ([link removed])
** Voter Resources
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If you are in one of these states, please speak out against legalization––you have more influence than you think. Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper asking your neighbors to vote against legalization and sharing why you are concerned about legalization. Here are some helpful guidelines ([link removed]) from the University of Kansas on writing and submitting a good letter to the editor. You can also use the SAM website for research information and talking points.
2. Share your thoughts on social media and encourage your friends and family to vote against the ballot initiative. In Florida, use the hashtag, #VoteNoOn3, to spread the message. You can share any of the resources on the SAM website ([link removed]) , including our popular Myths and Facts document ([link removed]) .
3. Organize a door knocking campaign around your neighborhood to educate your neighbors on the ballot initiative.
4. If you are able to donate to these efforts, please visit our partner at Protect Our Kids ([link removed]) . Your donation ([link removed]) will help fund things like the development of resources, advertisements, and other materials to raise awareness in opposition to these initiatives.
5. No matter what state you are in, do not forget to VOTE! You can vote early, by mail, or by voting on Election Day, November 5. “Banking” your vote by voting early helps resources be better allocated toward the education of undecided voters. Click here to see your state's early voting dates. ([link removed])
We will continue to fight these efforts in every state because for us, this is something worth fighting for.
Thank you for all of your hard work and efforts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Sabet
President & CEO
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)
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SAM Action ([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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