Public Safety Alert: DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine

Public Safety Alert: DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use.   “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country…

HoCo Kids Didn’t Sugar-Coat Their Reactions to THC Candy

HoCo Kids Didn’t Sugar-Coat Their Reactions to THC Candy

“NOOOO! Not my Skittles!” One Howard County middle school student lamented. “I can’t believe the companies would allow this,” another replied. “But I like Nerds…” another concerned student chimed in. These are just a few examples of the reactions we received when Howard County students in HC DrugFree’s Life Skills Class were shown photos of…

THC-Infused Products Marketed to Children

THC-Infused Products Marketed to Children

THC-infused candy and sport drinks, some disguised as popular and recognizable brands like Gatorade and Nerds, are being marketed to children. Since many of these products are being distributed in familiar packaging, unsuspecting kids and adults, may unwittingly consume THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical that causes most of marijuana’s psychological effects. Authorities are reporting…

Howard County Executive Order Signed to Guide Use of Opioid Settlement Funds

Howard County Executive Order Signed to Guide Use of Opioid Settlement Funds

On January 31, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order creating an Opioid Collaborative Community Council to assist in determining priorities for how the County should use funds received through a National Settlement Agreement with opioid manufacturers and any future settlements. The Council is charged with making recommendations to the Fiscal Year 2024…

Maryland and Missouri Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Maryland and Missouri Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Last week, three ballot initiatives were defeated that would have commercialized recreational marijuana in Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Alternatively, voters in Missouri and Maryland voted to commercialize recreational marijuana. 21 U.S. states and District of Columbia now allow for the recreational use of marijuana.Learn more

DEA Announces National Take Back Day Results

DEA Announces National Take Back Day Results

On October 29, people from across the country helped reduce the risk of prescription medication misuse by bringing unwanted and expired medications to National Take Back Day events. The DEA recently announced that more than 647,000 pounds of medications were collected at 4,902 collection sites. This total includes the 1,294 pounds of medication collected in…

A Growing Concern: Increased Drinking Among Older Adults

A Growing Concern: Increased Drinking Among Older Adults

Many older adults take medications that could interact with alcohol. Some interactions could be dangerous or even deadly. Learn more in a recent blog post from NIAAA Director, George F. Koob, Ph.D. The older adult population is increasing rapidly. Alcohol use among older adults is also increasing. As we focus on the quality of life…

$13.8 Billion Settlement reached for U.S. Opioid Claims

$13.8 Billion Settlement reached for U.S. Opioid Claims

CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart have agreed to an approximate $13.8 billion payout to settle thousands of lawsuits claiming that the pharmacy chains mishandled opioid pain medications. The lawsuits have accused these organizations of putting profit over safety and fueling the opioid crisis. CVS and Walgreens made statements declaring their commitment to be a part of…

Know Your Rights to Addiction Care for Drug & Alcohol-Related ER Visits

Know Your Rights to Addiction Care for Drug & Alcohol-Related ER Visits

The Legal Action Center has created a new guide Be Empow(ER)ed!: Know Your Rights to Addiction Care for Drug & Alcohol-Related ER Visits to inform people who use drugs about their right to receive certain evidence-based services for substance use-related conditions in hospital emergency departments. 

DEA Announces Significant Fentanyl Seizure in New York

DEA Announces Significant Fentanyl Seizure in New York

Press Release from the DEA on October 13, 2022: WASHINGTON – Yesterday, DEA and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York announced a significant seizure of fentanyl.  Two individuals in New York have been charged following the seizure of approximately 300,000 rainbow fentanyl pills, 20 pounds of fentanyl in white and…