Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)
Public Policy OfficesVirginia, United States2-10 Employees
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a coalition of organizations and individuals advocating for marijuana policy that prioritizes public health and scientific evidence. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, SAM positions itself as bipartisan and draws on professionals across medicine, mental health, law enforcement, education, and policy to promote a middle-ground approach between incarceration and legalization. SAM develops policy materials and conducts public advocacy aimed at informing lawmakers and public health stakeholders about cannabis policy options. Its activities have included producing reports such as 'Lessons Learned' and launching policy-focused initiatives, including a political action committee in 2022 and a federal lawsuit against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2026. These efforts reflect a consistent emphasis on evidence-based, health-centered policy considerations in the marijuana policy debate.