Matthew Schweich joined the staff of the Marijuana Policy Project in the spring of 2015. Over the following ten years, he made significant contributions to the American cannabis reform movement as a ballot initiative campaign manager.

As MPP’s Director of State Campaigns, Schweich led the organization’s ballot initiative operations. During the 2015-2016 election cycle, he served as the Campaign Director of the adult-use cannabis legalization ballot initiative campaigns in Maine, Massachusetts, and Arizona. In Maine, Question 1 passed with 50.3% support. In Massachusetts, Question 4 was approved by 53.7% of voters. In Arizona, Proposition 205 was narrowly defeated.

Following the passage of the legalization initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts, Schweich oversaw legislative campaigns to ensure implementation of these policies.

During the 2017-2018 election cycle, Schweich was the Campaign Director of the adult-use cannabis legalization ballot initiative campaign in Michigan and the medical cannabis ballot initiative campaign in Utah. In Michigan, Proposal 1 passed with 55.9% support. In Utah, Proposition 2 was approved by 52.8% of voters.

For the 2019-2020 election cycle, Schweich served as Campaign Director of the cannabis reform ballot initiative campaigns in Montana and South Dakota.

In Montana, adult-use cannabis legalization required passage of two separate ballot initiatives: Initiative 190 to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis; and Constitutional Initiative 118 to establish a minimum age of 21 for purchasing, consuming, or possessing cannabis. On Election Day, Montana voters approved Initiative 190 with 56.9% support and approved Constitutional Initiative 118 with 57.8% support.

South Dakota made history by becoming the first state in the country to pass both medical cannabis and adult-use cannabis legalization ballot initiatives on the same day. The medical cannabis law, Initiated Measure 26, passed with 69.9% support. The adult-use cannabis legalization law, Amendment A, passed with 54.2% support.

The victories in South Dakota were the beginning of a multiyear cannabis reform battle fought at the ballot box, in the legislature, and in the courts.

In 2021, then-South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem used public funds to orchestrate a legal challenge to Amendment A. This lawsuit culminated in the South Dakota Supreme Court striking down the voter-approved law in a 4-1 decision that relied on a narrow and strict interpretation of the state’s single-subject rule for initiatives.

That same year, Governor Noem also attempted to delay implementation of the medical cannabis law established by Initiated Measure 26 by working with her allies in the South Dakota Legislature to enact House Bill 1100. Schweich played a central role in organizing the grassroots legislative campaign that defeated HB 1100.

In 2022 and 2024, Schweich led ballot initiative campaigns to restore the adult-use cannabis legalization that was overturned in the Amendment A ruling. However, these campaigns were underfunded compared to the successful 2020 effort. Initiated Measure 27 (2022) and Initiated Measure 29 (2024) both failed to pass. Despite these defeats, Schweich’s determination to fully legalize cannabis in South Dakota shifted the battle lines for cannabis policy in the state and ensured that South Dakotans would continue to have legal and safe access to medical cannabis pursuant to Initiated Measure 26.

Also in 2022, Schweich helped lead the adult-use cannabis legalization ballot initiative campaign in North Dakota. Unfortunately, Statutory Measure 2 was defeated on Election Day.

In addition to his impactful ballot initiative work, Schweich wore other hats for MPP. In 2017, he oversaw legislative efforts to legalize adult-use cannabis in Rhode Island. At times, he assisted with managing the Communications Department and served as MPP’s national spokesperson. In 2018-2019 and 2023-2025, Schweich served as MPP’s Interim Executive Director and successfully guided the organization through challenging transition periods.

Schweich departed the MPP staff in the spring of 2025 after a decade of dismantling cannabis prohibition in the United States. His work as a ballot initiative campaign manager transformed cannabis laws in six states across the country: Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, and Utah.

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When MPP was founded in January 1995, the landscape of cannabis policy in America looked drastically different from how it does today. Medical cannabis was illegal in every single state, and the halls of Congress hadn't seen a bill aimed at reforming federal cannabis laws in decades. 

Fast forward thirty years, and the change is undeniable. Today, medical cannabis is legal in 39 states, offering vital relief to countless patients. Adult-use cannabis is now a reality in 24 states, representing a significant shift towards ending prohibition. On the federal level, several bills have been introduced to remove federal penalties for state-legal cannabis markets and to finally end federal prohibition altogether.

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it's inspiring to reflect on the incredible journey and the monumental progress we've witnessed. MPP has been an instrumental force at every pivotal moment of this transformation. In fact, MPP has been responsible for the majority of state cannabis law reforms enacted since 2000. Our dedicated efforts have led to the passage of 15 medical cannabis laws and 14 adult-use legalization laws. This includes landmark victories such as Colorado in 2012, which marked the first adult-use legalization state in the nation, and the groundbreaking legislative victories in Vermont and Illinois, the first two states to legalize cannabis for adults through their state legislatures rather than via ballot initiative. 

Watch this video for a look at MPP’s three-decade cannabis reform advocacy journey:

The numbers speak for themselves: no other organization in this movement has changed as many cannabis laws, positively impacted as many patients and consumers, created as many new markets, or done more to advance the end of cannabis prohibition in the U.S. than MPP.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff, our tireless volunteers, our generous donors, our committed coalition partners, and the millions of individuals whose voices have fueled this movement. While we can be proud of the progress made over the past 30 years, our work is far from over. Federal prohibition continues to cast a shadow, and ensuring equitable and just cannabis policies across the nation remains a critical priority.

Here's to 30 years of progress, and to the continued fight for a future where cannabis policy is rooted in compassion, common sense, and justice for all!

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March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history. While often overlooked, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the cannabis landscape. This month, we're shining a spotlight on the women who are leading the charge in cannabis advocacy, fighting for policy reform, social justice, and access to this powerful plant.

Here at MPP, we've witnessed firsthand how women in leadership positions can influence positive change as they simultaneously work towards ushering in more women to the burgeoning industry. These women are not just advocating for cannabis; they're advocating for social justice. They understand that cannabis prohibition has been used as a tool of oppression, disproportionately targeting Black and Brown communities. They're fighting to right these wrongs and create a more equitable system for everyone.

To that end, we are excited to shine a spotlight on some of the many women who are leading the charge in the cannabis advocacy movement!

Lauren Daly, Interim Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project

Lauren recently returned to MPP as Interim Executive Director after working as a frontline fundraiser for more than a decade in impactful nonprofit organizations. She first got involved in the cannabis movement as a volunteer in 2013, and got her first fundraising job at MPP shortly after. She joined the Students for Sensible Drug Policy team in 2014 and became SSDP's first Development Director, leading fundraising during one of the organization's largest growth periods. In 2020, she became a Development Officer for the American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia. There, she played a key role in steering ACLU-DC's fundraising strategy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also served as a board member for Source Research Foundation, which provides grants for academic research and community projects related to psychedelics.

Karen O'Keefe, Director of State Policies at the Marijuana Policy Project

Karen is an attorney and the Director of State Policies at MPP. She has been with MPP since 2003 and is perhaps the foremost expert in the country on state cannabis policies. Working closely with local advocates and lawmakers, her team played a leading role in the advocacy campaigns that resulted in the first two legalization laws to pass through state legislatures, in Vermont and Illinois. Her team has also played central roles in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Rhode Island's successful legalization efforts and the lobbying campaigns that resulted in more than a dozen medical marijuana and decriminalization laws.

Betty Aldworth, Board Chair of the Marijuana Policy Project and Interim Co-Executive Director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)

Betty was a pioneer in the cannabis legalization movement, and served as spokesperson for Colorado's successful Amendment 64 campaign in 2012. As the Director of Communications and Post-Prohibition Strategy at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, she generates support for psychedelic research and reform through the media and illustrates the promise of a post-prohibition world through inspiring public education opportunities. Betty has dedicated her career to building a more sensible future through reforming drug policies to be rooted in safety, justice, and education.

Additionally, we are proud to both recognize and celebrate the women of the MPP team who make our work possible: Kim Napoli (Board of Directors), Bridget Spiddle, Daniela Jang, and Violet Cavendish—as well as other women who are shaping the future of the cannabis reform movement:

Kat Murti, Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy
Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance
Frederika McClary Easley, President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and Executive Director of the Cannabis Impact Fund
Steph Sherer, Board President and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access
Sheri Orlowitz, Board Chair of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation
Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of WomenGrow

Without the contributions of women, the cannabis reform movement would not be where it is today. And to get where we need to go, strong women leaders are going to continue to be at the forefront of this fight to build a legal cannabis reality where no one is left out or left behind.

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Marijuana Policy Project is pleased to announce Brian Vicente, founding partner of cannabis law firm Vicente LLP, has joined MPP’s Board of Directors!

Vicente LLP, formerly known as Vicente Sederberg, is the country's top-ranked cannabis law firm, led by attorneys who were instrumental in developing, passing, and implementing the world’s first cannabis legalization laws. 
 
As a trailblazing thought leader and advocate in the cannabis reform movement, Brian Vicente has been helping cannabis businesses obtain state and local licenses since the inception of the legal cannabis industry — an industry he has played a significant role in shaping. He has also advised national, state, and local government officials in the development of regulated cannabis markets across the United States and around the world, including in Uruguay, the first country in the world to legalize and regulate cannabis for adult use. 

Brian was a lead drafter of Colorado's historic legalization initiative, Amendment 64, and he co-directed the successful campaign that led to its passage in 2012. In 2018, newly elected Colorado Gov. Jared Polis selected Brian to serve as a member of his gubernatorial transition team, where he sat on the Economic Development and Labor Committee. 

Brian serves as President of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council and is consistently ranked as one of the top cannabis attorneys in the nation.

We’re incredibly proud to have Brian Vicente join MPP’s Board of Directors. His expertise and knowledge will be a major asset to MPP as we continue to advance cannabis reform nationwide and build momentum toward ending federal prohibition once and for all. 

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Emil Ekvardt from the Swedish initiative Great.com interviews Senior Legislative Analyst Matt Simon of MPP as part of their 'Great.com Talks With...' podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.

Listen as Matt discusses the benefits of legalizing cannabis. 

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The Marijuana Policy Project — the nation’s largest cannabis policy reform organization — has announced the election of Sal Pace to serve as the new chair of its Board of Directors. Pace replaces Arcview co-founder Troy Dayton, who has served as MPP Board Chair for the last seven years.

“We're very excited to have Sal as our new chair,” said MPP Executive Director Steve Hawkins. “Sal is a recognized leader in the cannabis reform arena having used his platform as an elected official to advance common sense reforms. With tremendous passion and an in-depth knowledge of cannabis policy issues, he is an excellent choice to lead our board.”

Pace, who has been called “one of the state’s most vocal proponents of marijuana legalization,” represented Colorado’s 46th District from 2008 to 2012, during which he served as House Minority Leader. He also served as Pueblo County Commissioner from 2013 to 2018 and was appointed to Gov. Jared Polis’ transition team when he was first elected in 2018. Pace is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most knowledgeable former elected officials on the subject of marijuana policy.

“Sal Pace has brought a pioneering effort both in the Colorado cannabis program and his leadership nationally. I count Sal as a valuable and essential ally in my work for cannabis reform,” said U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), co-chair and founder of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

During his time in the General Assembly, Pace played a leading role in developing Colorado’s medical marijuana model, earning him recognition as the face of regulation from local news media. He served on several policy and legislative interim committees focused on cannabis, and he founded a national organization of local elected officials, Leaders For Reform, in response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ rescission of the Cole memo.

As a county commissioner, Pace led efforts to create the Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University-Pueblo and to establish the first college scholarship program funded by cannabis tax revenue. Prior to running for office, he served as a Congressional and campaign staffer. Pace serves on the boards of the Institute of Cannabis Research, Colorado’s Front Range Rail Commission, and the Colorado Independent Venues Association. He is also an advisory board member for HeadCount's Cannabis Voter Project.

As MPP chair, Pace is ready to hit the ground running at this critical juncture of cannabis policy, criminal justice reform, and racial and social justice our nation currently faces. Said Pace:

Ending marijuana prohibition in the U.S. is the most effective way to address social justice issues. Even with all of MPP’s successes to date changing laws across the country, 600,000 people are still arrested annually, and 40,000 are behind bars because of marijuana charges. As MPP chair, we aren't just focused on legalization, we're also concerned with doing it right, which means equity and diversity in opportunity and correcting the negative impacts from the failed war on drugs.

To learn more about Pace and his plans as MPP Board Chair, check out this Westword interview where he discusses cannabis policy reform efforts in 2021. 

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• Since spearheading the victorious campaign to legalize cannabis for adults in Colorado in 2012, MPP has steered the successful legalization efforts in Alaska, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Michigan, and Illinois in the years since.
  
  
• MPP has been committed to expanding access to medical marijuana for patients in need across the country, leading the advocacy efforts for 13 recent medical marijuana laws in Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.
  
  
• MPP was indispensable in the passage of seven recent decriminalization laws in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

• MPP is supporting the Montana 2020 legalization campaign as it builds support for a ballot initiative that will legalize cannabis for adults, and in South Dakota we’re backing both medical and adult-use initiatives. 
  
  
• In Connecticut and New Hampshire, we are working with lawmakers to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of strong popular support for legalization in both states. 
  
  
• We’re also working to pass medical marijuana legislation in Kentucky and South Carolina this year. 

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Proposal 1, the Michigan legalization ballot initiative, is up in the polls, but it’s still too close for comfort. The opposition campaign is just a couple of big checks away from being able to launch a large misinformation campaign.

We’re in the final weeks of the election, and we need to make sure the Yes on 1 campaign has the resources it needs to educate voters about the benefits of legalizing marijuana. Next week, I hope you’ll join me in Ann Arbor for a special evening to support this important campaign.

RSVP via phone (517-974-2265) or email ([email protected]). If you can’t attend, please consider making a contribution directly to the campaign here. And please share the word with other supporters. Let’s win this!

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We're pleased to announce that Steve Hawkins has been named the new executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. Steve brings three decades of experience fighting for criminal justice reform, having previously served in leadership roles at the NAACP, Amnesty International USA, and the Coalition for Public Safety.

The entire MPP staff is thrilled to welcome Steve to our organization.

Steve began his career as an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund challenging racial disparities in the criminal justice system. He later served as executive vice president of the NAACP, spearheading its efforts to end the police practice of “stop and frisk” in New York City and successfully encouraging the NAACP board of directors to adopt a policy in support of marijuana decriminalization. Steve also previously served as executive director of Amnesty International USA, as a program executive for the Atlantic Philanthropies, and as a senior program manager at the JEHT Foundation. You can read a more detailed biography here.

The marijuana reform movement has made incredible gains in the past several years but there’s still a great deal of work ahead. With Steve leading our experienced and talented team of reformers, and with your support, MPP will continue to enact medical marijuana and marijuana legalization laws that serve the interests of the American people.

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According to 9news.com, marijuana product manufacturers in Colorado are making an effort to accommodate inexperienced adult marijuana consumers.

Several companies have begun offering edible products with very small dosages of THC in order to allow people who have low tolerance or little experience with the substance to be able to use it without the potential for becoming overly impaired. This move comes following the launch of MPP’s “Consume Responsibly” campaign, which urges caution when consuming marijuana edibles and other products in order to avoid an unpleasant experience.

The paradigm shift in the marijuana industry is comparable to the alcohol industry’s selling of beer and wine alongside higher content alcoholic options like spirits or liqueurs.

The new low potency edible options include a low-dose marijuana-infused soda — Dixie One — that is 15 times weaker than the Dixie Elixirs company’s best-known soda. There are also light-dose “Rookie Cookies” for people who are not experienced in eating medical-grade marijuana.

“For a long time, the medical market was a race to the strongest edibles. Now it’s a new market, and people want something that won’t get them so inebriated they’re not functional,” said Holden Sproul of the Growing Kitchen, which makes the “Rookie Cookie” and is phasing out some if its stronger offerings.

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