4th ANNUAL SAM SUMMIT – APRIL 20, 2017 – ATLANTA

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4th ANNUAL SAM SUMMIT – APRIL 20, 2017 – ATLANTA

SAM is proud today to announce Former White House Drug Czar and SAM Honorary Advisor General Barry McCaffrey as our newest keynote speaker at the 4th Annual SAM Summit on April 20, 2017! You can register for the SAM Summit alone or as part of your National Rx Abuse and Heroin Summit registration.
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General Barry McCaffrey

Arguably one of the most outspoken drug czars to date, General Barry McCaffrey served as President Clinton\’s second Director of National Drug Control Policy from 1996-2000. When he retired from the Army to join the Administration, he was the most decorated General serving in the United States Army, having been awarded three Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat, two Distinguished Service Crosses (the nation\’s second highest award for valor), and two Silver Stars for valor.
Upon leaving government service, he served as the Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies from 2001-2005, and an Adjunct Professor of International Security Studies from 2006-2010 at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
You can register for the SAM Summit only at the registration form here. Register soon to take advantage of our discount.
If your organization would like to  sponsor our Summit, we have special sponsorship benefits, too. Email  [email protected] .
We look forward to seeing you again in Atlanta! You will not want to miss this.
Sincerely yours,
Kevin
President, SAM

9:00 a.m.
President\’s Address

Kevin A. Sabet, PhD, Director, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida,
and President, SAM
9:30 a.m.
Featured Keynote

Gov. Doug Ducey (AZ)
10:15 a.m.
Featured Keynote
General Barry McCaffrey
11:15 a.m.
Linking the Recovery Movement With Marijuana Education Efforts
Justin Luke Riley, CEO, Young People in Recovery
11:45 a.m.
Science Keynote

The NAS Report for Dummies
12:45 p.m.
Skills Building
Engaging with Chambers of Commerce and Other Key Allies: The Ohio Speakers
Tony Coder, Director, State and Local Affairs, Smart Approaches to Marijuana
1:45 p.m.
Skills Building
Communications Strategies for Success
Rafael Lemaitre, former White House official
2:30 p.m.
Skills Building
The Arizona Experience and Lessons Learned from Maine
Merilee Fowler and Scott Gagnon
3:15 p.m.
Skills Building
Engaging Low Income Communities
Jeff Zinsmeister, Executive Vice President, SAM
3:45 p.m.
Skills Building
An Update from the Trenches: Colorado and What You Should Know for Your State
Ben Cort, Board of Directors, SAM
4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Kevin A. Sabet, PhD, Director, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, and Co-Founder & President, SAM

 

Marijuana Legalization Bill Defeated in New Hampshire

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Marijuana Legalization Bill Defeated in New Hampshire
Senate Marijuana Legalization Proposal Dies in 19-4 Vote
Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
+1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria , VA, March 17, 2017] –  Yesterday, a coalition of public health experts, elected officials, educators, and concerned citizens soundly defeated Senate Bill 233 in a 19-4 vote in New Hampshire, which would have legalized the possession of up to 60 joints\’ worth of marijuana as well as six marijuana plants. The bill also would have created a study committee comprised of nine pro-marijuana legislators who would devise commercial marijuana sale and taxation proposals. SAM\’s New Hampshire affiliate New Futures was the primary coalition organizer and SB233 opponent.  Another bill removing criminal penalties is currently in the legislature.
\”This is a big victory in the effort to put common sense and public health before industry profit,\” said SAM President and CEO Kevin A. Sabet. \”New Hampshire legislators were right to reject Big Marijuana, especially in light of the opioid epidemic. Since Colorado legalized marijuana, there have been more kids getting high, more stoned drivers on the roads, and costly headaches for employers. And the state is increasingly in debt. Today was a bad day for the marijuana special interests in New Hampshire.\”
\”New Futures applauds the NH Senate for listening to their constituents and voting down SB 233 yesterday, which would have legalized marijuana in New Hampshire. The Senate and their constituents have sent a clear message: Big Marijuana CEO\’s and pot lobbyists are not welcome in our state. Legalizing a harmful substance in the midst of New Hampshire\’s current public health crisis is irresponsible and lacks sound judgement,\” said Kate Frey, VP of Advocacy at New Futures, a local SAM affiliate which is supporting a bill to remove criminal penalties but not legalize the drug. \”Together, our coalition and grassroots advocate community will continue to stand up to Big Marijuana interests by focusing on reducing all drug problems associated with alcohol and other drugs through prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for the sake of New Hampshire\’s public health, quality of life, and overall economy.\”
Evidence shows that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes,  youth marijuana use, and rising debt. These states have seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.

 

O.N.D.C.P STILL IN PLAY!

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President Trump\’s New Budget Blueprint Retains White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
+1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria, VA, March 16, 2017] — Today, SAM President Kevin Sabet commented on President Trump\’s 2018 Budget Blueprint that retains the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as a critical office overseeing strategies and programs aimed at reducing drug use and its consequences:
\”The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is vital to the mission of so many groups working every day to reduce drug use, stem addiction, promote recovery, and protect public safety. We don\’t want to see a new \’War on Drugs\’ centered on arrests for marijuana possession, but the Big Marijuana special interest lobby must be held accountable for endangering the health and safety of American communities. This office is doing meaningful work to combat the opioid overdose epidemic, prevent drug use among youth, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. We\’re glad that the Administration is acknowledging the serious effects of drug use in our country by supporting an office that prioritizes public health and prevention. We\’re hopeful that the release of a more detailed budget in the coming weeks will advance smart approaches to drug policy that will reduce drug use and its consequences.\”
A February 17 New York Times story reported that ONDCP was on The White House\’s list of programs that could be cut to rein in domestic spending. On February 23, a sign-on letter from more than 70 medical and drug policy organizations, including SAM, was sent to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. The letter urged the Trump Administration to save ONDCP.
Evidence demonstrates that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. These states have also seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.
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About SAM

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a nonpartisan, non-profit alliance of physicians, policy makers, prevention workers, treatment and recovery professionals, scientists, and other concerned citizens opposed to marijuana legalization who want health and scientific evidence to guide marijuana policies. SAM has affiliates in more than 30 states. For more information about marijuana use and its effects, visit http://www.learnaboutsam.org.

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New Anti-Big Marijuana Ad released today in Providence

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Providence Press Conference with Local Officials and Advocacy Groups Marks Official Unveiling of Our New Ad Campaign Opposing Marijuana Legalization in Rhode Island

Dear Friend,
Today, SAM Action joined Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Ocean State Prevention Alliance, and What\’s the Rush, RI? to announce our united opposition against Rhode Island House Bill No. 5555 and Senate Bill No. 420, which would legalize the commercialization and sales of marijuana in Rhode Island. As part of this big announcement, today also marks the official rollout of our bold new ad campaign called  \”Are We Sure?\”
These ads, which will run in bus stops throughout Providence and online, highlight the unintended health and safety consequences of marijuana legalization. We want to lift the \”smoke screen\” created by marijuana lobbyists and expose them for who they really are: the next Big Tobacco.
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We hope to ask the questions many legislators aren\’t asking:  Are we sure we want to commercialize another addictive industry?  Are we sure we\’re ready for more stoned drivers on our roads, and a future with pot shops on every block?
It\’s time we had an honest conversation about legalized marijuana and its harmful effects. We know that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. These states have also seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.
Please visit our new \”Are We Sure?\” website for more information or toorder campaign yard signs and wall posters.
Thanks again for all that you do to support SAM Action\’s efforts!

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About SAM Action

SAM  Action is a non-profit, 501(c)(4) social welfare organization dedicated to promoting healthy marijuana policies that do not involve legalizing drugs. Learn more about  SAM  Action and its work at visit www.samaction.net.

 

Marijuana Education Tool Kit

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Are you educating decision makers in Washington, your state capitol, or your hometown?

Download our latest Marijuana Education Toolkit to inform yourself and others!

SAM\’s Toolkit includes i nformation about the health risks of marijuana, data showing links between marijuana use and other drugs, and a debrief of the latest on federal vs. states\’ rights.  You can use these educational briefs to inform not just lawmakers, but also community leaders, friends, and anyone else interested in this important subject.
For more information about marijuana use and its effects, visit http://www.learnaboutsam.org.

 

New Study Finds Marijuana Abuse Linked to Suicide Attempts by Iraq/Afghanistan-Era Veterans

Study shows strong, statistically significant link between marijuana use disorder and suicide attempts, even after controlling for PTSD, depression, alcohol abuse, and other drug addictions

Contact: Anisha Gianchandani [email protected]

[Alexandria, VA] – A recent study

published by the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that marijuana-dependent Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. More than 3,000 veterans were sampled, and the study design also controlled for extraneous factors including PTSD, depression, alcohol dependence, and other drug disorders.

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This study expands on the recent National Academies of Sciences (NAS) report, which found only limited evidence that marijuana or cannabinoids could be effective in treating symptoms of PTSD. In fact, the NAS report revealed a stronger association between marijuana use and social anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and schizophrenia.

A 2015 Yale University study also showed a connection between marijuana use and PTSD symptoms and alcohol use.

Veterans are a particularly vulnerable population with respect to mental health issues, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently reported that approximately 20 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. While some veterans who suffer from PTSD have turned to medical marijuana to ease their symptoms, the science suggests that this \”treatment\” could actually make their condition worse.

\”It is distressing to realize that many veterans suffering from PTSD have been sold the false promise that marijuana use can ease their symptoms, when in fact the science shows it\’s just the opposite,\” said SAM President Dr. Kevin A. Sabet. \”We all want veterans to have a healthy and successful readjustment to civilian life, and it\’s clear that marijuana has no place in that. This study may be the tip of the iceberg showing the alarming links between marijuana use and suicide.\”

For more information about marijuana use and its effects, see http://www.learnaboutsam.org.

About SAM

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a nonpartisan, non-profit alliance of physicians, policy makers, prevention workers, treatment and recovery professionals, scientists, and other concerned citizens opposed to marijuana legalization who want health and scientific evidence to guide marijuana policies. SAM has affiliates in more than 30 states

www.learnaboutsam.org

 

 

Illicit drug deaths reaches record high 914 in B.C. in 2016

And this in a culture where Harm Reduction ONLY ideologies reign!?

Published on: January 18, 2017 | Last Updated: January 18, 2017 5:05 PM PST
\"BritishBritish Columbia reached a new peak of 914 illicit drug overdose deaths last year with the arrival of the deadly opioid fentanyl. Nine people died from overdoses in Vancouver\’s Downtown Eastside overnight, says Vancouver\’s police chief. Vancouver Fire Department Medical Unit responds to an unresponsive man after he injected a drug in the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, December, 9, 2016 in this file photo.RICHARD LAM / PNG 

More than 900 people died in British Columbia last year from illicit drug overdoses, but the provincial health minister says the toll could have been far higher and he warned the federal government Wednesday the epidemic is spreading across Canada.

The arrival of the powerful opioid fentanyl pushed the provincial death toll to a new peak of 914 overdose deaths in 2016. The BC Coroners Service reported the figure is almost 80 per cent higher than the 510 deaths due to illicit drugs in 2015.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said December was the worst month at 142 deaths, the highest monthly death total ever.

For complete article Harm Reduction, increasing harms??

 

WHY AUSTRALIA SHOULD NOT DECRIMINALISE DRUGS

WHY AUSTRALIA SHOULD NOT DECRIMINALISE DRUGS By Drug Free Australia

Australia21 and NDARC, two Australian entities sympathetic towards the use of illegal drugs, are pushing our politicians and media to advocate for the decriminalisation of all illegal drugs, including heroin and ice. But decriminalisation mostly increases drug use and Australians want LESS use. Convicting users is a major deterrent to drugs while encouraging rehab. When users can show they are clean for 3-5 years, then, and not before, is the time to wipe their conviction

http://drugfree.org.au/images/13Books-FP/pdf/Decriminalisation.pdf

 

National Academies of Sciences Releases Report on Science Surrounding Marijuana Use; Finds Multiple Harms

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National Academies of Sciences Releases Report on Science Surrounding Marijuana Use; Finds Multiple Harms

First NAS report on marijuana since 1999 finds marijuana especially damaging for psychosis, driving safety, progression to other drugs, learning, pregnancy; says state-based legalization connected to injuries among kids
Contact: SAM Public Affairs
+1 (703) 665-1410
[WASHINGTON, DC] – The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), in a landmark report written by top scientists, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research, concluded after a review of over 10,000 peer-reviewed academic articles, that marijuana use is connected to, among other problems:
  • respiratory problems;
  • mental health issues (like psychosis, social anxiety, and thoughts of suicide);
  • increased risk of car accidents;
  • progression to and dependence on other drugs, including studies showing connections to cocaine and heroin use;
  • learning, memory, and attention loss (possibly permanent in some cases); and
  • low birth weight.
Notably, the report also stated that, \”in states where cannabis use is legal, there is increased risk of unintentional cannabis overdose injuries among children.\”
\”This report is a wake-up call to all Americans who have been sold the false promise that marijuana use is not harmful across multiple health outcomes,\” said Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., the President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). \”It confirms that although more research is badly needed, tens of thousands of peer-reviewed articles tell us today that marijuana use can produce serious health and social problems. We should be doing everything we can to stop the marijuana industry from continuing to deceive the public the same way Big Tobacco did for a century.\”
Furthermore, the report underscored the success of the FDA process in developing legitimate marijuana-based medications for treating specific problems, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea.  In calling for addition research to explore other possible medical uses for cannabinoids, it implicitly criticized the medical marijuana ballot initiatives funded by the marijuana industry, which permit marijuana use without any FDA oversight.
\”The NAS report confirmed SAM\’s six-point plan on marijuana research, which calls for responsible medication development in the context of the FDA,\” said Jeffrey Zinsmeister, Executive Vice President for SAM. \”The report also confirms that we need more research on potential negative effects, such as cancer.\”
For more information about marijuana use and its effects, see http://www.learnaboutsam.org.

 

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