For Immediate Release: July 14th, 2020 Diverse Group of Top Researchers and Scientists Send Joe Biden Letter Commending Pro-Science Stance on Marijuana Policy (Alexandria, VA) - Today, a broad, diverse group of renowned scientists, led by the first Black United States Magistrate Judge and researchers from Johns Hopkins and Harvard Medical School, sent a letter to former Vice President and current presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, commending him for his unwavering commitment to a well-reasoned approach to marijuana policy. The researchers, members of the Science Advisory Board for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) — the largest, national, non-partisan policy group dedicated to offering science-based alternatives to marijuana commercialization — have vast experience in the fields of science, medicine, and addiction that drive them to promote science in the discussion on marijuana policy. “Science, not politics, must guide our drug policy decisions,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of SAM and a former three-time White House drug policy advisor. “Marijuana commercialization would only financially benefit a handful of wealthy investors and saddle disadvantaged communities in our country with further addiction.” The letter, sent just days after the Biden-Sanders Taskforce did not put marijuana legalization into the presumptive Democratic nominee’s campaign platform, outlines the preponderance of data supporting Vice President Biden’s contention that marijuana is a harmful substance. Furthermore, the researchers point out that the marijuana industry, which profits off the promotion and sale of high potency candies, concentrates, and vapes, has taken advantage of vulnerable communities, using Denver as an example — which has an average of one marijuana storefront for every 43 residents of color in minority neighborhoods. On this, the researchers conclude that “communities historically impacted by biased policing through marijuana enforcement must be built up through targeted criminal justice reform, not billionaire-backed pot shops.” In closing, the researchers stated that they “applaud and appreciate your science-based approach that is equally cognizant of legitimate concerns regarding social justice and marijuana-policing. We hope you will continue to uphold these important standards and thank you for your steadfast commitment to public health.” The letter is signed by the following individuals: Judge Arthur L. Burnett, Sr. First Black United States Magistrate Judge Executive Director, National African American Drug Policy Coalition Hoover Adger, Jr, M.D., M.P.H. Director, Adolescent Medicine Professor of Pediatrics Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Eden Evins, M.D., M.P.H. Cox Family Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Founding Director, Mass General Hospital Center for Addiction Medicine Sion Kim Harris, Ph.D., C.P.H. Co-Director, Center for Adolescent Behavioral Health Research Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School Jodi Gilman, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Christian Thurstone, M.D. Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, Denver Kimber P. Richter, Ph.D., M.P.H. Professor and Director, UKanQuit KUMed Hospital Tobacco Treatment Service Aaron Weiner, Ph.D. ABPP Licensed Clinical Psychologist Yifrah Kaminer, M.D., M.B.A. Professor of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine Professor of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Injury Prevention Center Marilyn A. Huestis, Ph.D. Institute for Emerging Health Professions Thomas Jefferson University Christine Miller, Ph.D. Former Research Associate Johns Hopkins School of Medicine ### ‌ Media Contact: Colton Grace 864-492-6719 [email protected] Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) | 400 N. Columbus Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!