SAM New York is an affiliate of SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), a nonpartisan alliance of lawmakers, scientists and other concerned citizens, co-founded by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy. SAM New York is comprised of medical doctors, health professionals, teachers, drug treatment workers, prevention advocates, parents, and other concerned citizens. We want to move beyond simplistic discussions of “incarceration versus legalization” when discussing marijuana use and instead focus on practical changes in marijuana policy that neither demonize users nor legalizes the drug. SAM has affiliates in more than half the country.