The Center for Prevention and Counseling will hold its spring conference at the Red Tail Lodge on Thursday, May 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Featured keynote speaker is Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Sabet has studied, researched, written about, and implemented drug policy for more than 20 years. He is currently the Director of the Drug Policy Institute at the University of Florida and the President of SAM: Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a non-profit organization he co-founded with Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Canadian-American Political Commentator, David Frum.
Sabet’s work as a government advisor began in the Clinton Administration as a researcher and he was the senior speechwriter on drug policy in the Bush Administration from 2002-2003. He returned to government in 2009 where he was asked to assist in drafting President Obama’s National Drug Control Strategy as a senior advisor. In 2011, he stepped down after being the only drug policy staffer to have served as a political appointee in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Sabet is the winner of numerous drug policy awards, a published author and featured in numerous publications. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy and Masters of Science from Oxford University and his B.A. with high honors in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Additional presenters at this conference include Diane Litterer, MPA, CPS, in the field of public health for over 25 years having developed state-of-the-art prevention programs receiving federal, state, county and local funding. Litterer will talk about statistical marijuana trends in New Jersey along with the effects of vaping, THC potency issues and associated marijuana edible products.
Litterer manages the New Jersey Prevention Network in Lakewood.
Also speaking will be Jeanette Hoffman, a public affairs consultant and statewide media spokesperson specializing in strategic messaging, crisis communications and public affairs campaigns. She will present on engaging friends, family, co-workers and the media on marijuana issues.
Grace Hanlon, former executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism will provide updated information on developments in marijuana legalization in New Jersey and how to get involved and make a difference.
The cost to attend the conference is $60 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Registration is required and payment must be received before May 25. Please note: there are no refunds after May 25.
