Adam J. Smith Appointed Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project

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On July 15, 2025, Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) announced Adam J. Smith had been appointed Executive Director of the organization (1). He has 30 years of experience in drug policy reform and advocacy, including starting the drug policy publication The Week Online as Associate Director of StopTheDrugWar.org in 1996, organizing the Higher Education Act Reform Campaign two years later, and starting Students for Sensible Drug Policy. He also founded the Craft Cannabis Alliance and the Alliance for Sensible Markets, has written legislation for cannabis interstate commerce bills, contributed to multiple podcasts, and participated in other legislative and campaigning activities.

“I’m honored and excited to join the dedicated team at MPP and to build upon the organization’s extraordinary legacy in advancing sensible cannabis policy,” stated Smith, in the press release. “The cannabis landscape has transformed dramatically over the past 30 years, thanks in large part to MPP’s leadership. Moving forward, we will continue fighting to ensure that no one, anywhere in the country, faces arrest or criminal penalties for cannabis use. At the same time, we’ll address the critical task of transforming emerging and existing markets into well-regulated, accessible, and equitable systems. After nearly a century of failed prohibition, it’s clear that the only effective path forward is to offer consumers a safer, economically vibrant, and environmentally responsible regulated marketplace. I’m deeply humbled to have the opportunity to lead the nation’s most impactful organization in cannabis policy reform.”

The MPP supports cannabis legalization across the US, having led 14 successful campaigns and contributed to the passing of 15 medical cannabis laws (2). Efforts over the past 30 years have included legislation and ballot initiative support for medical cannabis use and regulation development, lobbying for policy changes, media coverage, and supporting education and information campaigns.

Additionally, in January 2025, the MPP organized and examined national and state-level data on percentages of student cannabis use before and after cannabis laws were enacted, ultimately concluding that legalization did not lead to an increase in youth cannabis use (3).

“Adam’s sharp insight, deep expertise, and visionary leadership will catalyze MPP’s efforts to achieve transformative cannabis policy reforms at the local, state, and federal levels and advance justice, public health, and public safety,” stated Betty Aldworth, MPP’s Board Chair. “He has been engaged with cannabis policy reform efforts since before MPP’s founding in 1995, and he continues to forge an inclusive, responsive vision for patients, consumers, and businesses. Lauren Daly provided exceptional leadership throughout this transition, and thanks to the strong foundation she built, Adam and MPP’s expert team are well-positioned to drive meaningful and lasting change.”

Lauren Daly had served as the MPP’s interim director since January 2025 and will depart the organization in July, prior to relocating outside the US.

“It's been a tremendous privilege to serve as MPP’s Interim Executive Director,” stated Daly. “I’m proud of what we accomplished during my tenure and look forward to cheering Adam on as he steps into this role.”

References

1. The Marijuana Policy Project. Marijuana Policy Project Welcomes Adam J. Smith as New Executive Director https://www.mpp.org/news/press/marijuana-policy-project-welcomes-adam-j-smith-as-new-executive-director/ (accessed July 22, 2025).
2. The Marijuana Policy Project. About Us. https://www.mpp.org/about/ (accessed July 22, 2025).
3. McEvoy, E. Cannabis Legalization Does Not Lead To Increased Cannabis Use in Youth, Report States https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/cannabis-legalization-does-not-lead-to-increased-cannabis-use-in-youth-report-states (accessed July 22, 2025).