Drug Use Tops Booze for First Time in Fatal U.S. Crashes

Drug Use Tops Booze for First Time in Fatal U.S. Crashes: Study April 26, 2017

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Drug Use Tops Booze for First Time in Fatal U.S. Crashes: Study\"Reuters\"

FILE PHOTO: Jefferson County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Schwindt tests a driver, whose face is illuminated by police car lights, to see if he is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, at a mobile Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoint in Golden, Colorado, U.S. on April 12, 2008. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/File Photo REUTERS   By Ian Simpson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. data has shown for the first time that drivers killed in crashes were more likely to be on drugs than drunk, with marijuana involved in more than a third of fatal accidents in 2015, a study released on Wednesday showed.

Forty-three percent of drivers tested in fatal crashes around the country in 2015 had used a legal or illegal drug, topping the 37 percent who showed alcohol levels above a legal limit, according to the report by the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, a nonprofit funded by distillers.

Among drivers killed in crashes who tested positive for drugs, 36.5 percent had used marijuana, followed by amphetamines at 9.3 percent, the study showed. It was based on the most recent available U.S. state data reported to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For More… Drugs beats Booze in Road Fatalities

 

ICE and Children Under Protection – Australia (It\’s getting worse!)

\’Ice corridors\’ mean one-third of Queensland children in protection have parent using meth

BY KATHY MCLEISH APR 27, 2017

One-third of children who came into the care of the Queensland\’s Department of Child Safety in 2016 had parents who use or have used methamphetamines, most commonly ice, a new report has found.

About 60 per cent of those 749 children suffered neglect, about a third were subjected to emotional harm, 11 per cent experienced physical harm and 1 per cent were sexually abused.

Of the children with a parent who had used ice:

  • 59pc were neglected
  • 29pc experienced emotional harm
  • 11pc were physically harmed
  • 1 per cent had experienced sexual abuse

The study also found parents known to the child protection system used ice more regularly than alcohol. Of those who used the drug, more than two-thirds had a criminal history and about the same number had been diagnosed with a mental illness. About 68 per cent had experienced family and domestic violence in the past year. Most of the children affected were aged from newborn to five-year-olds.

For more http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-27/third-of-children-coming-into-qld-protection-have-ice-parents/8475420

 

Medical Marijuana Legislation increases Addiction

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New Study Finds More Marijuana Use, Higher Rates of Marijuana Addiction in States With Medical Marijuana Laws

Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
[email protected] +1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria , VA, April 26, 2017] –  A new study released today by JAMA Psychiatry found that rates of marijuana use and marijuana addiction increased significantly more in states that passed medical marijuana laws as compared to states that have not. Examining data from 1992 to 2013, researchers concluded that medical marijuana laws likely contributed to an increased prevalence of marijuana and marijuana-addicted users.
\”Politicians and pro-pot special interests are quick to tout the benefits of medical marijuana legalization, but it\’s time to see through the haze —     medical marijuana has gone completely unregulated,\” said SAM President Kevin Sabet. \”More people in these states are suffering from an addiction to marijuana that harms their lives and relationships, while simultaneously more have begun using marijuana. No one wants to see patients denied something that might help them, but this study underscores the fact that \”medical\” and \”recreational\” legalization are blurred lines. Smoked marijuana is not medicine, and has not been proven safe and effective as other FDA-approved medications have.\”
The study\’s researchers wrote that increases in marijuana use in states with medical marijuana laws \”may have resulted from increasing availability, potency, perceived safety, [or] generally permissive attitudes.\” They conclude that \”changing state laws (medical or recreational) may also have adverse public health consequences.\”
Evidence demonstrates that marijuana —     which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades —     is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. Moreover, in states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes and youth marijuana use. S tates that have legalized marijuana have also failed to shore up state budget shortfalls with marijuana taxes, continue to see a thriving black market, and are experiencing a continued rise in alcohol sales.

 

National Leaders Gathering To Oppose Cannabis Leglalisation

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National Leaders and Elected Officials Gather in Atlanta to Coordinate Opposition to Marijuana Legalization in America
Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
[email protected]  +1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria , VA, April 20, 2017] –  Today, a group of national drug policy leaders, elected officials, and public health experts convened in Atlanta to coordinate the opposition to marijuana legalization in the U.S. and advance evidence-based marijuana laws. Held in conjunction with the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit, the 4th Annual Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Summit featured keynote speakers including Former Clinton Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. The day-long program highlighted concerns about the special interest marijuana lobby and empowered concerned citizens with grassroots advocacy strategies to protect public health and safety in their local communities.
\”So far, 2017 has been a bad year for the pro-marijuana special interests looking to profit off the next big addictive industry,\” said SAM President and CEO Kevin A. Sabet. \”More states are realizing that marijuana legalization produces more costs than benefits, so this momentum gives our summit new significance as we look to energize our base and move the needle toward evidence-based marijuana policy that puts people over profit.\”
\”Smart drug policy starts with science and research, not ideology or profit,\” said SAM Honorary Advisor and Former Drug Czar General Barry McCaffrey. \”SAM embodies this belief by advocating for common-sense laws that protect American families and communities from the social and health consequences of marijuana legalization. I continue to be concerned about the serious problems around drug abuse and its effects on our country, so I\’m proud to stand up for SAM\’s health first agenda today.\”
\”Last year, Arizonans went to the ballot and soundly rejected the misguided and harmful proposal to legalize marijuana,\” said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. \”This vote shows that Arizonans don\’t want the harmful consequences of legalizing this drug that have been seen in other states, like drugged driving incidents and more kids using marijuana. I am honored to stand with SAM today in support of the message that the health and safety of our communities must come first.\”
Evidence shows that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. Moreover, in states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. States that have legalized marijuana have also failed to shore up state budget shortfalls with marijuana taxes, continue to see a thriving  black market, and are experiencing a continued  rise in alcohol sales.

 

Health Experts Concerned over Canada Cannabis

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Scientists, Doctors, Policy Leaders Concerned With Legalization As Canadian Federal Government Releases Legislation

\”We\’re saying, \’please keep the public health focus front of mind as this legislation is unrolled,\’ \” said Gail Beck, the clinical director of youth psychiatry at The Royal, a psychiatric hospital in Ottawa. \”Lots of people think this is harmless.\”
April 13, 2017
Contact: Anisha Gianchandani [email protected]
(703) 828-8182

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, SAM President and CEO Dr. Kevin A. Sabet released a statement on today\’s legislation released by the Canadian federal government to legalize marijuana:

\”The Canadian legislation is not about decriminalization, but rather the full legalization of marijuana and marijuana edible products for anyone over 18 years of age. The brain is in a critical time of development until about age 30. And without safeguards to protect against stoned drivers, public safety will be at risk.
\”Canadians should learn from our painful experience of legalization in Colorado, where the special interest marijuana lobby now has set up more pot shops than Starbucks coffee outlets and McDonald\’s.  A new report , reviewed by senior researchers at Harvard, University of Colorado, Boston Children\’s Hospital, and other public health research universities, found surges in youth pot use, hospital visits among young children, increases in fatal car crashes related to recent marijuana uses, greater workplace issues, more arrests of Black and Latino youth, and other negative consequences.
\”The report also cites Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman who recently said, \’ The criminals are still selling on the black market. … We have plenty of cartel activity in Colorado (and) plenty of illegal activity that has not decreased at all.\’\”
\”In the time that some U.S. states have legalized marijuana, the only winner is the pot lobby that is lining its pockets.\”
Jo McGuire, chair of SAM\’s Colorado affiliate remarked, \”This is not what we signed up for. Where is the control? This concept of \’regulation\’ is a farce. It is time to step up against the marijuana industry.\”
Pamela McColl, of SAM Canada, said, \”This piece of legislation puts the Canadian family at risk. Youth already think marijuana is harmless, and now we are giving them the government\’s seal of approval. This risk will spill over into even younger kids.\”
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For more information about marijuana policy, please visit http://www.learnaboutsam.org.

 

Marijuana Legalization Bills Defeated in Maryland

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Marijuana Legalization Bills Defeated in Maryland

Marijuana Legalization Proposals Die in Committee
Contact: Anisha Gianchandani
+1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria , VA, April 12, 2017] –  Yesterday, an alliance of concerned citizens, public health experts, and safety officials soundly defeated two marijuana legalization bills in Maryland. The bills, which would have permitted commercial pot shops in communities throughout the state, died without a vote in the Maryland Senate last night. SAM Executive Vice President Jeff Zinsmeister and Maryland-based neuroscientist and SAM Science Advisor Dr. Christine Miller testified in Annapolis last month, urging the legislature to reject marijuana legalization and commercialization. AAA Mid-Atlantic also testified against the bills, citing traffic safety concerns due to drugged driving increases in states that have legalized marijuana.
\”This is a major victory in the effort to put public health and common sense before special interests,\” said SAM Executive Vice President Jeff Zinsmeister. \”The costs of legalization, including more stoned drivers on the roads causing fatalities, more people being driven into treatment for addiction, and higher regulatory costs far outweighed any benefit Maryland would see. The Big Marijuana lobbyists came into Maryland touting the notion that marijuana legalization would fix our criminal justice system and rake in millions – but Maryland smartly concluded that legalization actually exacerbates these issues. All they had to do was look to Colorado, where more minority youth are being arrested for marijuana and the state deficit is growing. \”
\”We believe that science and research, not profit, should drive what marijuana laws look like in our state,\” said Dr. Christine Miller, a Maryland neuroscientist and member of SAM\’s Science Advisory Board.  \”The pro-marijuana lobby was looking to profit by selling a harmful, addictive substance that would harm our communities and endanger public safety. I\’m proud that evidence-based policy putting health first prevailed in Maryland yesterday.\”
Evidence demonstrates that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. Moreover, in states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes and  youth marijuana use. S tates that have legalized marijuana have also failed to shore up state budget shortfalls with marijuana taxes, continue to see a thriving black market, and are experiencing a continued rise in alcohol sales.

 

“The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact, Volume 4, September 2016”

Rocky Mountain HIDTA reports and publications can be found at www.rmhidta.organd by clicking on “Reports.”

The LegalizationMarijuana in Colorado_The ImpactVolume 4Sept2016DUID

Anti-Marijuana Legalization Advocates Clear Major Hurdle in Connecticut

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Senate Marijuana Legalization Proposal Stalled
Contact: Anisha Gianchandani  – [email protected]
+1 (703) 828-8182
[Alexandria , VA, April 6, 2017] –  Yesterday, a broad coalition of public health experts, elected officials, educators, and concerned citizens made significant headway in the effort to stop marijuana legalization in Connecticut. Senate Bill 11 died without a vote in the House Judiciary Committee last night. The bill  would have legalized the commercialization of marijuana in Connecticut and permitted retail sales in marijuana stores throughout the state. SAM\’s Connecticut affiliate was the primary coalition organizer and SB11 opponent.
\”This is a major setback for marijuana legalization,\” said SAM President and CEO Kevin A. Sabet. \”This year, states are refusing to import the host of public health and safety consequences we\’ve seen in places like Colorado: more kids getting high, more stoned drivers on the roads, and more people being driven into treatment for addiction. The Big Marijuana special interests are trying to sell Connecticut the lie that marijuana legalization can fix the state\’s budget deficit – thankfully Connecticut is realizing that like the lottery, these funds are less than expected. All they have to do is look to Colorado, where the state deficit is growing, not shrinking. \”
\”The first rule any doctor or public health official bears in mind is to do no harm,\” said Dr. Yifrah Kaminer, Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at University of Connecticut School of Medicine. \”Legalizing marijuana would seriously harm public health and safety in our state. States like Colorado show us that more youth use marijuana and develop substance use disorders post-legalization. This experiment is rightly being rejected. I\’m proud Connecticut took a crucial step toward protecting the physical and mental health of our children today.\”
\”Connecticut residents do not want pot shops in our state – or the accompanying Big Marijuana special interest lobby,\” said Connecticut SAM member John Daviau. \”In states that have legalized marijuana, we\’ve seen the commercialization of a drug we know to be harmful. Marijuana legalization is ultimately about making a very small group of investors rich, but these special interest groups now need to start looking elsewhere.\”
Evidence demonstrates that marijuana – which has skyrocketed in average potency over the past decades – is  addictive and harmful to the human brain, especially when used by adolescents. In states that have already legalized the drug, there has been an increase in  drugged driving crashes,  youth marijuana use, and rising debt.  These states have seen a  black market that continues to thrive, sustained marijuana arrest rates, and a consistent  rise in alcohol sales.

 

Playing Politics with US Opioid Crisis

Politicizing and Misunderstanding the Opioid Crisis

By Seth Leibsohn| April 5th, 2017|

The nation’s opioid crisis is real and it is serious. As Christopher Caldwell recently pointed out, “those who call the word ‘carnage’ an irresponsible exaggeration are wrong.” And so, too, are those playing politics with the crisis. Even beyond the politicization–or, perhaps, because of it–there is still a great deal of misunderstanding as to what is driving this crisis.

As for the first problem, the politics: Senator Claire McCaskill (D., MO) has announced that she is initiating an investigation of several opioid manufacturers, and is requesting “reams of information” from them. But note the one manufacturer she did not target and from which she did not request information–Mallinckrodt. Mallinckrodt, after all, is headquartered in Missouri, her own state. Odd, that. And it’s not as if Mallinckrodt is a bit player in the manufacture and sales of opioid drugs. Indeed, “it is one of the nation’s largest” producers, responsible for nearly 20 percent of the market share of opioid prescriptions. The companies McCaskill has targeted are responsible for a total market share of 5.25 percent combined. Odd, that. If she were serious about investigating pharmaceutical companies, she most certainly would be investigating the one based in her own home state which also happens to be the one responsible for most opioid sales in America.

But all of this is not even the beginning of the beginning in addressing America’s opioid crisis. For when political leaders like Senator McCaskill are not playing politics with the issue, they are too often misunderstanding it. Some of that is not their fault.

Part of the problem in addressing the opioid crisis is that the terminology can be confusing or misleading. People hear “opioid” or “prescription opioid” or “fentanyl” and begin to lump the problems all together as a crisis driven by legitimately prescribed drugs. No doubt, that is a part of the problem, but it is nowhere near the biggest part of it. Take a look at the best statistics available (taken from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the CDC):

  • In 2015, there were 33,091 opioid overdose deaths.
  • Heroin deaths constituted 12,990 of those deaths.
  • Synthetic opioids (mostly illegal fentanyl) constitute another 9,580 deaths.

Because opioid deaths usually involve the use of more than one drug, percentages and raw numbers will not neatly add up to 100% or the 33,091 deaths. As the White House Website puts it: “A portion of the overdose deaths involved both illicit opioids and prescription opioids.” But what we can see from the above is that over 68 percent of the problem is from the use of illegal drugs.  Or, as the CDC put it in December of 2016: “[T]he increase in opioid overdose death rates is driven in large part by illicit opioids, like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a synthetic opioid.”

As for the prescribed opioids, the majority of overdose deaths from those come from the diversion and illegal distribution of them. As the CDC notes: “Most people who abuse prescription opioids get them for free from a friend or relative.” The people “at highest risk of overdose” “get opioids using their own prescriptions (27 percent), from friends or relatives for free (26 percent), buying from friends or relatives (23 percent), or buying from a drug dealer (15 percent).” Thus, for the population that overdoses from opioid prescriptions, 64 percent abuse them from a diverted or illegal source. In other words, the abuse of opioid prescriptions that leads to overdose deaths involving a patient acquiring a legal prescription and misusing that prescription on himself is less than 30 percent of the prescription problem and constitutes about 15 percent of the overall opioid overdose problem.

For more https://amgreatness.com/2017/04/05/politicizing-misunderstanding-opioid-crisis/

 

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