In the Weeds: Cannabis in College

In the Weeds: Cannabis in College

Hey high schoolers and parents! Let’s talk about something that’s on a lot of minds these days: marijuana. On July 1, 2023, the State of Maryland legalized some amount of cannabis use and possession. Since it was now legalized in the state for people over 21, it’s easy to think that college campuses are all…

Parent CRAFT Substance Misuse Prevention Program

Parent CRAFT Substance Misuse Prevention Program

Parent CRAFT is a self-paced online video course that teaches parents the skills they need to meet the risks of substance abuse. Parent CRAFT is based on the proven CRAFT method. This program is for parents who know their child is misusing substances and want to get their child into treatment. This project is made freely…

Interview with Dr. Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

Interview with Dr. Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy at the White House was recently interviewed by Melanie Hogan of WVAS and discussed the immediate need to continue to dismantle trafficking of illicit drugs fentanyl. Dr. Gupta says 90 percent of fentanyl arrives in the United States through legal and commercial points…

Year in Review: DEA Innovates to Fight Fentanyl

Year in Review: DEA Innovates to Fight Fentanyl

WASHINGTON – In 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration marked its 50th anniversary as the only federal agency dedicated to fighting deadly drugs and drug-related violence.  This milestone celebrated a half century of dedication to fighting drug trafficking in the United States and around the world, which threatens the public safety, health, and national security of our…

Marijuana Vaping Spikes by Double Digits for 12th Graders

Marijuana Vaping Spikes by Double Digits for 12th Graders

Marijuana vape use surged by 10.1 percent for 12th grade students, between 2017 and 2023. Just under 20 percent of 12th grade students reported vaping marijuana in 2023. Use of the drug also increased by 5 and 3.5 percent for 10th grade and 8th grade students, respectively, over the same time period, according to the…

Cannabis-Linked Psychiatric Disorders on the Rise

Cannabis-Linked Psychiatric Disorders on the Rise

The widespread use of cannabis (marijuana) and its increased potency are associated with a rise in cannabis-related psychiatric conditions, according to a University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) review article that was recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine. It highlights the urgent need for doctors to screen for and treat patients who…

HoCo Grad and Former TAC Member Reflects on HC DrugFree

One of our long term Teen Advisory Council members, Malhar, is a part of our college student team teaching our Life Skills class that begins next week. In the essay below, he outlines his experience with HC DrugFree, Life Skills, and the impact both have had on his life. Academic and professional life has been…

Reflections on 2023

Reflections on 2023

New Year’s Eve is just on the horizon and as we look into the possibilities of 2024, we can’t help but reflect on 2023. We’re grateful for our community, our friends, and our neighbors. We accomplished a great deal by working together, and for that, we all should be proud. At HC DrugFree, we understand…

HC DrugFree Receives Community Foundation of Howard County Grant

HC DrugFree Receives Community Foundation of Howard County Grant

CFHoCo Announces 2023 Community Grant Awards The Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo) has announced its 2023 community grant awards supporting nonprofits throughout Howard County, Maryland. A total of $200,000 will be distributed across 49 organizations to improve the lives of residents across the community. “The Community Foundation of Howard County is pleased to support…

Holiday Presence: The Gift of Togetherness

Holiday Presence: The Gift of Togetherness

During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping and anticipating the giving and receiving of gifts. In a world that often places so much weight on material possessions, it’s easy to forget that the most cherished and timeless gifts are ones that cannot be wrapped. Rather than focusing…