The SAM 2025 Drug Policy Summit, organised by Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) in collaboration with the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS), gathered leading experts, lawmakers, and advocates to confront the growing addiction crisis in the United States. Held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Centre, the two-day event featured critical discussions on combatting the harmful practices of the addiction industry and amplifying recovery-based solutions grounded in science and public policy.

Leaders from prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement sectors came together to share actionable strategies for addressing the devastation caused by psychoactive substances. Key speakers at the Good Drug Policy Summit included Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Harvard’s Dr. Bertha K. Madras, and former White House Drug Czar Robert DuPont. Their remarks emphasised the urgent need for robust policies to safeguard communities from aggressive commercialisation of harmful drugs.

Legislator Recognised for Drug Policy Leadership

A significant highlight of the summit was the awarding of the Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. Mary Miller for her role in closing the Delta-8 THC loophole within the Farm Bill. This amendment addresses the deceptive marketing of THC-laced products that target children, such as THC-infused gummies. “This loophole has allowed dangerous substances to be advertised openly to young people,” said Miller. “I am proud to work with SAM to protect families from being misled.”

Throughout the event, Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of SAM, spoke on the addiction industry’s pervasive influence. “We are at a pivotal moment in fighting addiction. Illicit marketing of psychoactive substances is destroying lives. We need policies that prevent use, offer effective treatment, and support long-term recovery,” he shared.

SAM’s Executive Vice President, Luke Niforatos, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of grassroots and policy-level collaboration. He advocated for robust education on drug harms and increased resources for treatment and recovery.

SAM 2025 Drug Policy Summit: Advancing Science-Based Solutions

The SAM 2025 Drug Policy Summit provided an essential forum for addressing the nation’s addiction and drug crises while pushing back against the profit-driven addiction industry. The event reinforced the commitment to implementing science-based solutions that promote prevention, recovery, and the health and safety of communities. Attendees left with renewed resolve to protect future generations from the consequences of substance misuse.

Source: Mailchi, Learn about Sam