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** SAM Launches National Television Advertising Campaign Urging President Trump to Stop the Rescheduling of Marijuana ([link removed])
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Smart Approaches to Marijuana released the No Schedule 3 television ad campaign on July 30. Click here ([link removed]) to tell President Trump to oppose marijuana rescheduling! Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug will give a tax break to Big Marijuana and foreign drug cartels. Make your voice heard today and share the message across all social media platforms!

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** New in The Drug Report: SAM Secures Key Federal Wins in FY26 Appropriations — Blocking Marijuana Banking and Pro-Use Messaging ([link removed])
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This month brought major federal victories in the fight against the normalization and commercialization of marijuana. These wins are not accidental. They are the result of years of strategic pressure, consistent education, and a relentless defense of public health.

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** Newsweek: Marijuana could break your heart—literally ([link removed])
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SAM CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet explains the latest concerning data around the damage marijuana does to your heart.

One study found a doubled risk of cardiovascular death associated with the drug. All the more reason why weed is a public-health menace.

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** Luke Niforatos on the High Truths Podcast ([link removed])
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FDPS Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Luke Niforatos joined incoming ONDCP official Dr. Roneet Lev for her high-power podcast to talk about drug policy and the birth of Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions’ Hyannis Consensus.
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** New York Post: Easing weed restrictions will set back Golden Age, boost China ([link removed])
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Dr. Sabet brings a crucial new angle to the argument over the choice facing the Trump administration on rescheduling marijuana. Doing so would be a public-health disaster and a free gift to China, our greatest strategic competitor.

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Click Here to Register ([link removed])


** Free SAM Webinar: One Nation Under the Influence: America’s Drug Habit and How We Can Overcome It ([link removed])
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Join our upcoming free webinar to hear directly from Dr. Sabet, author of One Nation Under the Influence ([link removed]) , as he tackles the most urgent drug crisis in American history with real-world insights and bold, actionable solutions. With overdose deaths reaching staggering levels, this is a timely conversation you won’t want to miss—because no one is immune, and the time for change is now.


** In the News
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Fox 10 Phoenix ([link removed])

Dr. Sabet appeared on Fox 10 in Arizona to discuss legalization in the state and the wider issues around weed with host John Hook.
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Washington Times ([link removed])

Millions more using marijuana, nicotine vapes after legalization, study finds.

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El Pais ([link removed])

Texas debates between prohibition and regulation of THC.

NC should reject backdoor marijuana legalization (Carolina Journal) ([link removed]) : The Tar Heel State is mulling a measure to “regulate” hemp-derived THC. The bill is a backdoor to full legalization, argues Dr. Sabet. North Carolina needs to just say no.


The real youth drug crisis is marijuana (The Hill) ([link removed]) : Dr. Sabet explains why weed must be the real focus of our prevention efforts, and how it drives the drug crisis among American kids. Recent federal legislation shows the path forward.


Rise in weed use could spark public consumption debate (Spectrum NY) ([link removed]) : ([link removed]) Dr. Sabet spoke with Spectrum’s Kate Lisa about the horrific increase in New York adults using marijuana and the implications for the state’s legal program.


** Legislative Update
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This month, SAM activated hundreds of parent advocates ([link removed]) in opposition to Senator Rand Paul's effort to remove a provision banning hemp-derived THC from a federal spending bill. Senator Paul, known for being an obstructionist, refused to reason with parents and public health stakeholders who urged him to work with the majority of legislators who want

THC products off gas-station shelves. Despite Paul holding up the process, the THC ban was voted on by the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously earlier this month after Senator Mitch McConnell endorsed the "Miller Amendment." We are building our coalition of support and have several opportunities to include a ban on all hemp-derived THC in legislation this year!

Click here ([link removed]) to tell your Senators to Stand Against Rand and oppose his effort to keep dangerous hemp-derived THC on the market!


** State Updates
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SAM’s Federal and State Policy Associate, Iman Lohrasbi, testifying in Georgia.

Georgia: SAM’s Iman Lohrasbi testified in Georgia before the Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia's Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies. During his testimony, Iman called for a total ban on all intoxicating hemp products, while also opposing any efforts to expand the state’s medical marijuana program. Iman serves as a Federal and State Policy Associate for SAM.[link removed] the video here. ([link removed])

Texas: While we are disappointed by Governor Abbott’s veto of SB 3, we commend Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Charles Perry, and the members of the Texas State Senate who voted to pass SB 5 during the Special Session.

SB 5 now moves to the Texas House of Representatives for further debate. Like SB 3, SB 5 would ban Delta 8, Delta 9, and all other forms of intoxicating THC, including beverages, and would prohibit the retail sale of any cannabinoid in the state, except for CBD and CBG.

North Carolina: HB 328, a bill that aims to prohibit certain forms of intoxicating hemp while allowing others, is currently being debated in the NC state legislature. Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), stated the following in an opinion piece for The Carolina Journal. “The bill’s being sold as an advance for public safety that also recognizes commercial reality. But it would, in effect, legalize marijuana through the backdoor after repeated rejections by the state through the front. The bill is a Trojan horse: It proposes to ban some intoxicating hemp products fully, while legalizing recreational marijuana so long as it is derived from hemp and sold to people over 21 — and away from schools. In other words, a complete surrender to the addiction industry that drives the THC trade.”

Pennsylvania: Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are currently debating whether to include marijuana legalization in the state budget. SAM calls on lawmakers to reject SB 120 and prioritize public safety rather than the profits of the marijuana industry.


** Grassroots
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Parent Action Network (PAN) just returned from the CADCA midyear conference in Nashville, Tennessee, where they interfaced with thousands of coalitions across the country educating participants about the harms of today’s marijuana products and continuing to foster new relationships and partnerships. We also had the opportunity to spend time with PAN advocates and existing partners, brainstorming ways to continue to push back against the pro-pot industry.

As more and more families come forward wanting to share their stories, PAN has been busy scheduling and releasing episodes of the Fortitude Podcast ([link removed]) , hoping to send a message to our legislators across the country on the dangers of today’s high-potency products and the devastating impact they have had on thousands of families. Our latest episode ([link removed]) features Dr. Kristen Gilliland, who shares how the loss of her son, Anders, spurred her on in her role as chemist and neuroscience educator as she turned her grief into action. You can help us get this message out by sharing these stories with anyone you think might benefit from them.

PAN would also like to thank Dr. Bertha Madras ([link removed]) and Kevin Collins ([link removed]) , Senior Prevention Program Manager for the DEA. Both have contributed to the PAN Newsletter ([link removed]) , highlighting the misinformation around psychedelics and the secret language of adolescents, respectively. If you are interested in reading these and other important features and information, please sign up for our newsletter here ([link removed]) .


** Events and Trainings
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** SAVE THE DATE: 2026 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit ([link removed])
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The 2026 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit will be taking place in partnership with the CADCA National Leadership Forum on February 5th and 6th in National Harbor, MD.

Registration for the Summit is now open. This can’t-miss event will feature the best in evidence-based drug policy and will run from the afternoon of Thursday, February 5 through Friday, February 6.
Click Here to Register for SAM Summit ([link removed])


** SAM Trainings: Learn what to say and how to say it ([link removed])
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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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** Youth Marijuana Use Increases Suicidality ([link removed])
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Researchers from the Sorbonne found that among adolescents, marijuana use was linked to 46% higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation ([link removed]) and 85% higher odds of attempting suicide.

This comes on top of an avalanche of evidence showing that weed is connected to other severe mental health problems, including schizophrenia. These numbers suggest that marijuana use prevention, especially for youth, could be a matter of life or death. Click here to learn more ([link removed]) .


** Resource
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** Got Questions? ([link removed])
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** SAM has answers. ([link removed])
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Over the past 12 ½ years, Smart Approaches to Marijuana has been presented every kind of question and comment from industry supporters, marijuana users, investors, and the general public. Many of you have probably run into these frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) in presentations, comments on social and other media, or just in your general conversations and may want to know what the best answer is.

Click here to access SAM’s detailed Frequently Asked Questions resource page ([link removed]) , which provides detailed answers to the most common comments those of us working for science-based, health first marijuana policies and education have encountered.


** Donate ([link removed])
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** Your Support Can Help Ensure Marijuana Stays a Schedule I Drug ([link removed])
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With half of 2025 behind us, we here at SAM are looking ahead to the work that will carry us to the end of the year. A major issue that will keep us busy is the ongoing debate about marijuana rescheduling ([link removed]) . Your giving will help us continue to ensure that marijuana firmly remains a Schedule I substance.

We know why the marijuana industry wants rescheduling. They want to be able to advertise to our kids while deducting those expenses to increase their bottom line. With your help ([link removed]) , we will not let this happen. Please continue to help us keep rescheduling off of the federal agenda.

Click here ([link removed]) to support SAM’s work on the rescheduling of marijuana.

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