Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions EVP Luke Niforatos went on Dr. Roneet Lev’s amazing podcast, High Truths, to talk about drug policy, the fight against legalization, commercialization, and normalization, and the birth of FDPS’ Hyannis Consensus on the battle for real public health. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to know the best way forward as America battles the addiction industry.
Click here for the full episode. Additionally, look below for a written recap of the conversation.
Luke joined High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with his longtime friend and national leader in drug policy, Dr. Roneet Lev. Dr. Lev is not only a trailblazing emergency physician and addiction expert—she’s also a former Chief Medical Officer at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). And just days ago, she announced her return to ONDCP, which is fantastic news for families and public health advocates everywhere.
The conversation covered a wide range of topics—from his journey into drug policy to the urgent need for bipartisan, science-based solutions to America’s addiction crisis. Below are some highlights from our conversation.
Why Luke Chose Drug Policy
Although he bagan his career in healthcare management, eventually founding a successful digital health startup, growing up in Colorado gave him a front-row seat to the failures of marijuana legalization. Seeing the damage firsthand—and later experiencing how marijuana smoke affected his child during stroller walks—compelled him to take action. He joined Kevin Sabet at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) to fight back against the commercialization of addiction, and he has never looked back.
From Colorado to Capitol Hill
He left Colorado, where he was raised, and headed to D.C. to help lead the fight. Over the past eight years, SAM has evolved from a grassroots startup to a national force, with offices in Washington, D.C., and New York. SAM has testified in Congress, statehouses across America, defeated numerous ballot initiatives, and built a national coalition of parents, scientists, and advocates who are demanding evidence-based drug policy—not corporate lobbying disguised as reform.
The FDPS Blueprint: A National Vision
Three years ago, former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Kevin Sabet, and Luke co-founded the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) to broaden the mission beyond marijuana. They brought together hundreds of experts from public health, law enforcement, academia, prevention, and recovery to create a Blueprint for Drug Policy Reform. This resulted in a recent launch of a comprehensive, nonpartisan drug policy roadmap grounded in prevention, treatment, recovery, and accountability.
You can read it here: 📘 blueprint.gooddrugpolicy.org
They finalized this blueprint in Hyannis, Massachusetts—at the Kennedy Compound—joined by both Republican and Democratic leaders. It is not a think-only effort. This is a think-and-do operation. The goal now is to implement these policies at both the federal and state levels.
What Makes This Blueprint Different?
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It puts prevention first. If someone avoids drug use before 25, they are significantly less likely to use drugs later in life.
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It supports treatment on demand. When someone decides to get clean, we must be ready that moment—not weeks later. We need a national treatment system.
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It focuses on recovery ecosystems. From recovery-ready workplaces to recovery-friendly cultures, the vision extends well beyond keeping people alive. It’s about restoring lives.
Our Stance on Marijuana Legalization
He made it clear: Marijuana should not be legalized. The evidence shows high-potency THC is damaging kids’ mental health and fueling illegal markets. But for states that have already legalized, the blueprint offers realistic reforms: banning THC candies, capping potency, enforcing public education, and strengthening regulation.
Caution on Psychedelics and Harm Reduction
There’s dangerous hype around psychedelics. While some research shows limited therapeutic use, Luke cautions against the “miracle drug” narrative. Entrepreneurs should not be allowed to define medicine through ballot measures and lobbying dollars.
On harm reduction: Luke supports meeting people where they are, but we cannot leave them there. Our blueprint affirms that recovery—not just survival—must be the goal. That means naloxone is essential, but not enough. We need wraparound care and treatment on demand.
Fighting Cartels & Corruption in Legal Cannabis
DEA testimony and investigative journalism have shown that foreign cartels are using state-legal marijuana to launder fentanyl money. In states like Oklahoma and Maine, officials have confirmed that criminal networks—some backed by the Chinese Communist Party—are operating legally under weak oversight.
Legalization has not brought peace or prosperity. It has brought crime, trafficking, and addiction—and the blueprint is a path to reverse that.
A Call to Action
To President Biden, President Trump, RFK Jr., and anyone shaping drug policy today, here’s Luke’s elevator pitch:
Put prevention first—and don’t legalize drugs. The states that tried it are suffering. There is a better way.
Join Us
Luke is building a movement with colleagues and anyone else who wants to make positive change. Whether you’re a policymaker, parent, or professional, there is a place for you in this fight.
Follow and connect:
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SAM: learnaboutsam.org | @learnaboutsam
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FDPS: gooddrugpolicy.org | @gooddrugpolicy
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Luke: @LukeNiforatos