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** Kevin Sabet on how Trump’s move to reschedule sparked a GOP revolt ([link removed]) (Politico): ([link removed])
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The president’s December decision angered key members of his own coalition concerned about public health and a powered-up industry.
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** Big Marijuana is all about spin, denial ([link removed]) (Colorado Politics):
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Luke Niforatos explains how the industry response to a fire at a Leadville, CO dispensary reveals just how cynical Big Weed is when it comes to public safety, health, and order.
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** A hemp ban will protect kids, but everyone needs its safety ([link removed]) (Louisville Courier-Journal):
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Kevin explains why the hemp ban passed by Congress and signed into law by the president in November will protect every American regardless of age.

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** Kevin on SAM support for a Mass. ballot measure meant to repeal legal weed ([link removed]) :
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This measure, which is advancing steadily to a vote in November, would help guarantee genuine public health in the Bay State and has already garnered signatures from more than 70,000 people.
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** Kevin on the danger of Chicago stadiums selling THC drinks ([link removed]) :
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Chicago’s United Center just signed an agreement to sell THC drinks. Kevin explains why this move “smells of trying to make a quick buck at the expense of public health.”

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** REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2026 SAM GOOD DRUG POLICY SUMMIT ([link removed])
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The 2026 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit will take place in partnership with the CADCA National Leadership Forum on February 5th and 6th in National Harbor, MD.

This can’t-miss event features the best in evidence-based drug policy ([link removed]) and will run from the afternoon of Thursday, February 5 through Friday, February 6.

This year’s summit is crucial for those involved in drug policy, and here’s why YOU should attend:
* Make sense of 2025’s major changes to federal drug policy

* Get exclusive insights by domain experts from Meta, the federal government, the prevention space, and more

* Support SAM and FDPS efforts to educate the public

The full agenda and list of speakers is now available ([link removed]) ! Don’t miss out on this important event! Click here to register ([link removed]) . ([link removed])


Contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to learn about how you can get involved as a sponsor or speaker.


** In the News
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Washington Examiner: Lankford and Budd File Amendment to Block DOJ From Reclassifying Marijuana to Schedule III ([link removed])
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C-SPAN:Kevin Sabet on marijuana rescheduling ([link removed])
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First Things: Diagnosing a Disordered Age ([link removed])
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AFN: Colleges Now Offer Multiple Courses in Marijuana Studies ([link removed])


** Donate ([link removed])
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** Join us for a night of networking and inspiration at the SAM and FDPS Leadership Dinner ([link removed]) on February 5, 2026!
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The SAM and FDPS Leadership Dinner serves as the perfect complement to our 2026 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit. We hope to see you for an evening of conversations around prevention, recovery, and the fight against drug normalization.

Register here ([link removed]) .

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for this event, contact John Spurlock at [email protected].


** Legislative Update
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This month, we faced a resurgence of hemp policy on Capitol Hill. In the wake of our November victory getting a ban of hemp-derived THC signed into law, the intoxicating hemp lobby regrouped and found a new issue to champion: getting the implementation date for the ban extended by an additional two years. Right now, the ban is set to take effect this upcoming November. SAM is fighting hard against Congressional hemp-THC allies and even the White House to keep the law as is. The good news? We have the science and the most powerful players on Capitol Hill on our side


** TAKE ACTION: Oppose Extending Hemp-THC Ban Implementation! ([link removed])
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Rep. Jim Baird has introduced H.R.7024, a bill that extends the implementation date for the federal ban on hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 by two years. Tell Congress you oppose H.R.7024!
Take Action Here! ([link removed])


** State Updates
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Texas: The Texas Department of State Health Services proposed a 13,000% increase in licensing fees ([link removed]) for retailers selling hemp-derived THC.

Florida: The marijuana industry has once again set its sights on Florida ([link removed]) , pouring millions into a campaign to legalize recreational marijuana through a ballot initiative up for a vote in November. The campaign, officially known as the Florida Marijuana Legalization Initiative (Initiative #25-01), is being managed by the political committee Smart & Safe Florida. That group is funded mainly by Trulieve (Florida’s largest medical marijuana company).

UPDATE: Florida’s State Department announced no citizen initiatives turned in enough verified signatures before the deadline to appear on the 2026 ballot ([link removed]) .

Hawaii: HIDTA and others recently met to discuss the current state of federal and state marijuana policies with local allies and leaders. SAM is eager to continue collaborating with lawmakers and advocates in the state to oppose the legalization of marijuana.

New Hampshire: Lawmakers in the New Hampshire House passed legislation to legalize marijuana. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

Arizona: A campaign to overturn marijuana legalization has started collecting signatures. The campaign must gather more than 250,000 signatures by early July to qualify for the state ballot in 2026.


** Grassroots
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As Parent Action Network moves into its fourth year of advocacy, we remain steadfast in our efforts to share parent stories and advocate for change. January’s episodes of The Fortitude Podcast ([link removed]) feature perspectives from former users and advocates of the industry who opened their eyes after realizing how the pot profiteers manipulate the nation with their false narrative and marketing tactics.

This month, PAN is most focused on our upcoming Training Conference and Hill Day, which will take place February 3 and 4 in Washington, DC. PAN will be training parent advocates how to tell their stories effectively and then taking them to meet with their lawmakers, to educate them, and urge them to put public health and safety before the bottom lines of addiction profiteers. This is a powerful day on the Hill and is as important as ever given the constant misinformation around the harms of today’s high-potency THC products.

PAN will also have a presence at the SAM Good Drug Policy Summit as our Director Crissy Groenewegen will be moderating a panel of parent advocates who have taken their devastating and often tragic experiences and turned them into a purpose.


** Events and Trainings
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** Dr. Kevin Sabet in Molino, Italy for Government Meetings and Site Visits
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On Friday, January 23, 2026, Dr. Kevin Sabet was a guest at Molino Silla, the “mother house” of the Comunità Incontro of Amelia, in the province of Terni, for an international discussion on addiction.

Accompanied by Elisabetta Simeoni, Director of the Technical-Scientific Office of the Department for Anti-Drug Policies and Other Addictions of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, he presented a seminar primarily focused on the harmful effects of the legalization of marijuana and other substances incorrectly considered “light.”


** SAM Working with HIDTA in Hawaii to Educate on Marijuana Policy
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SAM President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet and Federal and State Policy Associate Iman Lohrasbi discussed the current state of federal and state marijuana policies with local allies and leaders in Honolulu, HI. SAM will continue collaborating with lawmakers and advocates in the state to oppose the legalization of marijuana.


** SAM Trainings: Schedule a SAM Training today and learn what to say and how to say it.
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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].


** Stat of the Month
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** Compared to Low-THC Products (10% THC Level) 30% THC Leads to a 197% Increase in THC Consumption ([link removed])
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Weed advocates argue that high-potency THC products are no big deal: People will just use less and “titrate” their use. But now the data prove this claim wrong. Researchers from Ohio State University found ([link removed]) that higher potency drives more consumption. Users are not regulating themselves based on potency. Why? Because THC is incredibly addictive.


** Resource
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** SAM 2026-2027 Impact Report, Lessons Learned from State Marijuana Legalization ([link removed]) , is now available to download!
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Contrary to federal law, under which the possession and sale of marijuana are illegal (Controlled Substances Act, 1971), several states have legalized the cultivation, commercial sale, and use of marijuana since 2012—though a majority of states continue to reject recreational legalization. Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) has

compiled publicly available federal and state-level data, reports, investigatory findings, peer-reviewed studies, and government health surveys to assemble this report. We have attempted to be as transparent as possible in our evaluation and allow readers to trace our steps and further their own research.


** Don’t forget to subscribe to Smart Approaches to Marijuana’s YouTube Channel! ([link removed])
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You can find webinars, playlists, past summits, interviews, and press conferences addressing today’s marijuana on SAM’s YouTube channel ([link removed]) .

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** One Nation Under the Influence: America’s Drug Habit and How We Can Overcome It. ([link removed])
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** We are facing an undeniable national catastrophe, with more than 105,000 Americans dying of drug overdoses in 2023 alone. Clearly, we need bold new policies rather than mere Band-Aids to address this crisis. If you are committed to fighting drug addiction and advocating for effective, science-based drug policies, you’ll want to order One Nation Under the Influence today! ([link removed])
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Copyright 2025 Smart Approaches to Marijuana. All rights reserved.
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