Recent data collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that young adults between the ages of 19 and 30 are using Marijuana and Hallucinogens at the highest rates since 1988.

“Young adults are in a critical life stage and honing their ability to make informed choices,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an NIH subsidiary. “Understanding how substance use can impact the formative choices in young adulthood is critical to help position the new generations for success.”

The data, collected between April 2021 through October 2021, included annual surveys of 108,000 individuals, beginning at 8th grade and into early adulthood.

Marijuana Use Among Young Adults

Marijuana was among one of the most used substances among both young adults and adults in 2021. According to the data, the number of young adults in 2021 who said they had used Marijuana in the last year was 43%. Nearly 30% said they had used Marijuana in the last month, while over 10% said they used it daily.

According to those involved with the study, daily use was defined as using Marijuana 20 or more times in the last month. This metric increased more than 8% from 2016.

Along with an overall increase in Marijuana use, the number of young adults who reported using a Marijuana vape device more than doubled from just 6% in 2017 to over 12% in 2021. This amount of reported use reached levels higher than what was observed during the pandemic, according to experts.

Hallucinogen Use Among Young Adults

In decades past, the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens had been fairly consistent year-over-year. That is until rates started spiking in 2020. Rates spiked so high, in fact, that in 2021 the number of young adults who reported using Hallucinogens in the past year reached 8%, the highest since 1988.

Among reported Hallucinogen use was LSD, which accounted for about 4.2% of all Hallucinogen use. Other reported Hallucinogen use included Mescaline, Shrooms, PCP, and MDMA (Ecstasy). Researchers noted, however, that the use of Ecstasy decreased among young adults, from 5% in 2020 to 3% in 2021.

Other Substances Reported

Even more so than Marijuana and Hallucinogens, the most reported substance used among young adults was alcohol, which nearly 82% of all young adults reported using in the last year. The data did reflect, however, that the rate of alcohol use has been on the decline for the past 10 years.

However, the data showed that binge drinking, which was defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row, was increasing once again after hitting an all-time low in 2020. At that time, the number of young adults who reported was around 28%, however, that number has increased by nearly 15% to 32% in 2021.

Binge drinking wasn’t the only alarming alcohol-related trend that saw an increase in 2021. High-intensity drinking, defined as having more than 10 drinks in a row, has been increasing steadily in the last 10 years as well. In 2016, high-intensity drinking hit its highest rate, 9.6%, since 2005. Now, the number of young adults who reported high-intensity drinking in the last 2 weeks is 13.1%.

Along with alcohol, young adults also reported increased use of Nicotine vape products. Since 2017, the prevalence of Nicotine vapes among young adults more than tripled from 6% to 16% in 2021.

Researchers noted that the use of both Nicotine cigarettes and Opioids has been on the decline in the last 10 years.

Why Are Young Adults Using Substances At Such Alarming Rates?

There are many reasons why young adults, particularly those in their late teen years, may use substances. Young adults face challenges that are unique and are often a first-time experience for many. The development of the brain, the desire to fit in or to feel good, or simply the curiosity to experiment are all reasons why a young adult may choose to use substances.

The frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making, natural inhibitions, processing, and cognitive flexibility doesn’t fully develop until a person’s mid-20s. However, the reward center of the brain, known as the striatum, is fully developed much sooner. This has led many experts to believe that this delayed maturation is to blame for young adults’ tendencies to use substances.

Many young adults may choose to use substances to help “self-medicate” or to help cope with a mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 1 in 3 young adults aged 18 to 25 reported having a mental illness in 2020. Furthermore, more than 50% of people who report having a substance use disorder (SUD) also report struggling with mental illness. People who struggle with mental illness at an early age are at a higher risk of developing a SUD at some point in their lives. Because of this, it’s important to seek treatment for mental illness as soon as symptoms arise.

Getting Help For A Substance Use Disorder As A Young Adult

Getting help for a mental health disorder or addiction is not something reserved for adults or those with serious, life-threatening conditions. Like many ailments, the sooner you get help for a mental health disorder or addiction, the higher your likelihood of a successful, long-term recovery.

There are many options for young adults who are looking to enter treatment, many of which can address addiction and mental health simultaneously. Services like inpatient rehab can be a great option for young adults who may be struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health conditions, as it offers 24/7 care and can offer many programs aimed at helping young adults learn how to cope with the stresses of adulthood.

For milder addictions or mental health concerns, outpatient programs should be considered, especially for those who may not wish to completely disrupt their lives. Outpatient programs allow patients to undergo treatment while still spending time at home with loved ones.

Treatment Is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, waiting to get help can only make things worse. Marijuana and hallucinogen use is on the rise among young adults, and with it are cases of addiction. If you are looking for help, know there are people ready and willing to help you start your journey toward recovery. For more information about what treatment options are available to young adults, contact a treatment provider today.

The post Marijuana And Hallucinogen Use In Young Adults Peaks appeared first on Addiction Center.

Brittney Griner, two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time Women’s National Basketball Association All-Star, is being held by Russian authorities after customs officials detected Cannabis oil in her luggage. Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was initially detained while trying to leave the country at Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow back in February on drug charges; however, Russian officials just released the news of Griner’s detainment on Saturday. 

The Russian Federal Customs Service stated that a working dog from the Sheremetyevo Customs canine department located the vape cartridges containing Hash, short for Hashish, oil in Griner’s carry-on luggage. According to the Times, a criminal case has been opened against Griner for “large-scale transportation of drugs.” These charges carry a potential sentencing term of 5 to 10 years. 

What Is Hashish Oil?

Hashish oil, also known as Hash or honey oil, is a concentrated Cannabis extract made from the resin of the buds of the Cannabis plants. This potent form of Cannabis is most commonly sold in cartridges to be used in vape pens, like in Griner’s case, but it can also be ingested, smoked, or rubbed onto the skin. Another common use of Hash oil is “dabbing,” which refers to the use of a special pipe to heat and vaporize Hash oil. 

Hash oil is 4 to 5 times more potent than regular Marijuana and contains a high level of THC, the same psychoactive ingredient as other Marijuana products. Since the processing of Hash oil isn’t standardized, it is unclear how much THC is in any one dose, but it can contain anywhere between 15% to 60% THC. This disparity in the percentage of THC leads to a significant range of side effects. Additional possible physical and mental side effects of Hash oil use include:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Increased heart rate and appetite
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Memory issues
• Vasodilatation (widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure)

Across the US, 18 states allow for the recreational use of Marijuana, and 36 states allow for the drug’s medical use, but Hash oil is not always included in these laws. In the states that have legalized Cannabis oils with low-THC levels, individuals may use Hash oil as medical Marijuana, but it is case by case. In Russia, the recreational or medical use of any form of Marijuana is illegal.

Griner Was In Russia To Play, But Will She Be Able To Leave?

Griner has been playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia for the past 5 off-seasons. The draw to play overseas for many women in the WNBA is the opportunity to make considerably more money than they do on their national teams. For example, the average income of a WNBA player in the US is $130,000; however, in overseas leagues, WNBA players can make up to a million dollars. About 70 WNBA players play with international leagues currently during the off-season, with more than a dozen in Russia and Ukraine. Griner’s detainment over alleged possession of Hash oil places the WNBA player in a dangerous waiting ground amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Russia’s Stance On Drug Policy

What is particularly concerning in Griner’s case relates to Russia’s approach to drug use. In some countries, drug control is underlined with excessive, punitive measures which can undermine public health. In Russia, the country’s policy leans toward the criminalization and punishment of individuals who use drugs or have a substance use disorder (SUD) versus offering support through treatment and harm reduction methods. 

In a case study by BMC, Russia’s official policy toward drug use is described as “social intolerance,” which means that poor treatment of those who use drugs is encouraged and legitimized. Such “poor treatment” of individuals struggling with drug abuse includes denying them access to essential medicines in treating addiction, like Suboxone used in treating Opioid abuse, and implementing treatments such as electroshock therapy and comatose therapy. The lack of evidence-based treatment options for individuals with a SUD in Russia and the harsh stigma around addiction leads to a declining number of individuals seeking medical treatment even as rates of people who use or depend on drugs increase. 

What Happens Next

As the world looks on as the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, a layer of tension surrounds Griner’s arrest as the unrest between Russia and the US grows. There are concerns that the country may be leveraging Griner’s case against the US in response to the Biden administration’s recent sanctions imposed on Russia. On the same day that news broke of Griner’s detainment, the State Department released an updated advisory urging US citizens to leave Russia immediately because of the “potential for harassment against US citizens by Russian government security officials.”

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Over the past few years, Marijuana has become legalized for recreational use in certain states across the US. A new study has found that nationally, and specifically in legalized states, the rate of children getting sick after accidentally consuming Marijuana edibles has been significantly increasing. 

What Are Marijuana Edibles?

Edibles are food or drinks that contain chemical compounds that are found in cannabis. When consumed, these compounds, also known as cannabinoids, have effects on the mind and body. While cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), are non-intoxicating, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces euphoric or high feelings. 

These products typically look very similar to normal foods, such as chocolate, cookies, lollipops, or fruit gummies. Some are designed to look like recognizable candy brands. Because these products can be easily mistaken for common treats, some states have instituted laws that dictate how they should be labeled and packaged. 

Growing Rates Of Children Consuming Marijuana Edibles

Accidental edible consumption has been climbing in legalized states and on a national level. Five years after Marijuana retail sales began in Washington state, the first state to legalize recreational Marijuana, the number of these incidents essentially tripled. In the US, there were 187 instances of child exposure to Marijuana edibles in 2016. This number rose to over 3,000 by 2020. 

New data is showing that children ages 3-5 are at the highest risk for accidental Marijuana edible consumption. Children in this age group may be affected at higher rates because they tend to be more curious and have less supervision during this stage. Additionally, edibles are responsible for half of the Marijuana accidents for children 9 and under. These incidents are more common in states where the substance has become legal for recreational use. 

What Is Being Done To Prevent These Accidents?

Currently, there are 19 states where Marijuana can be used recreationally. These states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. In these states, Marijuana edibles can be purchased from retail stores. Additionally, some states allow residents to grow limited amounts of the substance for their own personal use.

Colorado began requiring a universal symbol on edibles in 2016. This diamond shape marking with the letters “THC” must be found on the product itself, not just the packaging. This requirement was made in addition to other childproof packaging, such as difficult to open zippers and lids. Despite being intended to prevent children from consuming edibles, rates have continued to increase. 

The Risks Involved For Children

While the numbers of accidental ingestion by children are increasing, no overdose deaths have been recorded as a result. Despite this, 15% of children experienced moderate symptoms of Marijuana use. Major symptoms were present in 1.4% of these cases. The symptoms that occur and their severity will depend on how much the child has ingested and in what form. Moderate symptoms include: 

• Drowsiness
• Agitation 
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate 
• Trouble breathing 
• Coordination issues 
• Red eyes 

Severe symptoms include: 

• Seizures 
• Neurological impairment 
• Intense breathing issues 

Edibles are often packaged with more than one adult serving. Because they look just like any other candy or snack, children are at risk for consuming more than the recommended dose for adults. Elizabeth Perry, a Maryland mother, spoke to D.C.’s NBC station last year about her toddler’s overdose on Marijuana edibles. Oliver consumed 15 gummies which was 75 mg of THC, or 7 times the serving size. 

Some states have passed laws regarding the maximum amount of THC that can be in a serving size. In Oregon, 5mg per serving is the maximum, while in Colorado, it is 10 mg per serving. 

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What To Do If Your Child Has Consumed Edibles

If you suspect that your child has accidentally taken Marijuana edibles, it’s important to remain calm. Next, get as much information as you can. This includes identifying what type of edible, how much has been ingested, and the warnings included on the label. To determine how much your child has consumed, you may have to recall how much was in the packaging before they got into it. 

It may seem as if your child has no symptoms. This might be due to the fact that effects of edibles take longer for the body to absorb. While it could take up to 90 minutes for effects to kick in, they also can last longer (up to 24 hours) than other forms of Marijuana. For these reasons, you should make sure to call poison control even if your child is showing no signs of use. 

If your child is showing symptoms, such as sleepiness, slowed breathing, or seizures, call 911 and seek help immediately. 

How To Prevent Accidental Child Marijuana Consumption

The best way to prevent your child from unintentionally taking Marijuana edibles is to keep them in a very secure location. They should be treated as if they are a toxic substance or prescription medication. This may mean finding a spot where they can be locked up and out of reach. It is also important to not take Marijuana edibles in front of your children as it’s possible they will follow your actions should they find the edibles. Finally, friends and family members can also be a cause of exposure. For this reason, you should be sure to speak with others about where they keep their edibles, especially if your child spends time in their home frequently. 

The post Children Are Accidentally Consuming Marijuana Edibles appeared first on Addiction Center.

The Monitoring the Future report, sponsored by The National Institute On Drug Abuse at The National Institutes of Health, has revealed changes in the patterns of substance use present in the college student population.

College students are using Marijuana more and drinking alcohol less; 44% of college students said they used Marijuana last year, while 56% reported drinking. This represents a substantial increase in use for the former substance and a notable decrease in use for the latter; for comparison, only 38% of college students said they used Marijuana in 2015 while 62% of the same population admitted to drinking alcohol in 2019.

Binge-drinking among college students, defined in the parameters of the study as having at least 5 drinks in a single occasion within 2 weeks prior to the survey, also fell; the rate dropped from 32% in 2019 to 24% in 2020. Daily or near daily Marijuana use among college students, on the other hand, increased; the rate has seen a “five-year increase of 3.3 percentage points,” according to the study, and now stands at 7.9% in the college student population. The study also added that “as of 2020, almost one-in-ten young adults aged 19-30 is a daily or near daily [Marijuana] user.”

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The proportion of the college student population reporting use of Psychedelic drugs was higher as well, increasing 4 points to 9% in 2020.

The pandemic was given as the cause of the reduced alcohol consumption by the study’s principal investigator, professor John Schulenberg of the University of Michigan. As Schulenberg told The Washington Post, “We clearly see that young people use alcohol as something to be taken at parties and gatherings. With the pandemic, those weren’t happening, so the alcohol intake and binge drinking dropped.”

Marijuana use, by contrast, has been affected very differently by the pandemic; more of the population than just college students have increased their recent intake of the substance.

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The Pandemic And Marijuana Consumption

The New York Times called the pandemic a “breakout moment” for the Marijuana sector, and there’s ample evidence to back up that claim.

Legal sales of Marijuana ballooned in 2020, surpassing a sum of $17.5 billion; this was an increase of 46% from the year prior. This is especially notable given the economic downturn that occurred during the pandemic.

There are a few theories to explain why Marijuana use has increased so significantly. Some postulate that the rise in mental health conditions during the pandemic has resulted in more people using more Marijuana to self-medicate. There are some statistics to back up this idea; one study, published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases, found that Americans who are afflicted with mental health conditions and use Marijuana medically increased their use by an average of 91% since the pandemic began.

Possible Risks: Marijuana And Psychosis

On many levels, the increase in Marijuana use and decrease in alcohol use observed in the college student population could mean fewer risks to college students’ health. Marijuana users don’t tend to form physical dependencies the way alcohol users do, and alcohol causes a host of maladies and ailments, including several types of cancer, that Marijuana use has not been linked to.

There is one notable risk of increased Marijuana use, however. It may correspond with an increased risk for psychosis. A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that daily use of Marijuana, particularly the use of Marijuana with a very high level of THC, is associated with increased odds of experiencing a psychotic episode later in life. According to NPR, “The study also shows that three European cities — London, Paris and Amsterdam — where high-potency weed is most commonly available actually have higher rates of new cases of psychosis than the other cities in the study.”

This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship between Marijuana use and psychosis; it may be that those who are already predisposed to psychosis are more likely to self-medicate with Marijuana than those who are not. The psychoactive nature of THC can produce some subjective experiences which may be similar to those of a psychotic episode, however; more research needs to be done on the subject. Those who have a family history or a personal history of psychosis should be extremely cautious in their use of the substance.

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Lindsay Ridgell, an Arizona mother who gave birth in 2019, has been charged with child neglect and placed on Arizona’s child abuse central registry after using Marijuana while pregnant. This case is likely to set a significant precedent regarding legal consequences for the use of Marijuana during pregnancy.

Ridgell’s newborn, Silas, tested positive for Marijuana. The drug screen was ordered after the infant exhibited troubling symptoms. A medical professional observed that Silas was jittery, and the infant was also having trouble breathing in addition to suffering from both strep throat and bleeding in the brain.

Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS), where Ridgell worked at the time of her baby’s birth, was alerted to the positive drug screen by hospital staff. Ridgell has since lost her job.

Since she had been taking Marijuana medically, which has been legal in the state of Arizona for over a decade, Ridgell chose to appeal the DCS’s decision. After raising enough money to afford filing fees on GoFundMe, that’s exactly what Ridgell did; an administrative law judge then agreed with Ridgell, deeming the DCS’s evidence “double hearsay” and ordering Ridgell’s removal from the child abuse registry.

However, despite the fact that Ridgell’s use of Marijuana during pregnancy was, as the judge said, “under her doctor’s care and according to their instructions,” the DCS refused to reverse its earlier decision and kept Ridgell on the registry.

Now Ridgell, who suffered from a rare condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) that caused nausea and vomiting during her pregnancy, is appealing once again. She and her attorney, Julie Gunnigle, attended oral arguments at the Arizona Court of Appeals on September 15.

Gunnigle has said of her client, “[she] was the only one who presented any science,” and that “[Cannabis] is a choice to treat HG during pregnancy, and the risks to the fetus are not extreme … it’s a decision that she was completely entitled to make.”

If the Arizona Court of Appeals rules against Ridgell, she will remain on Arizona’s child abuse registry for the next 25 years.

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How Does Marijuana Affect The Fetus?

Baby Silas presented with respiratory difficulty, brain bleeding, strep throat, and jitteriness after his birth. But was Marijuana use during pregnancy responsible for these symptoms, and what exactly is the impact of maternal use of Marijuana on a developing fetus?

One analysis of data on the subject, published in the Obstetrics & Gynecology medical journal, found that “[Marijuana] use during pregnancy is not an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes,” clarifying that adverse outcomes such as Silas’s that do correlate with maternal Marijuana use are likely due to either co-occurring use of tobacco or unspecified “confounding factors.”

Another study, published in the West Indian Medical Journal, sought to uncover whether there were more long-term effects on children whose mothers used Marijuana while pregnant. This study, which analyzed almost 5 dozen children from birth up until the age of 5, found that there were “no significant differences in developmental testing outcomes between children of Marijuana-using and non-using mothers.”

In Silas’s case specifically, it’s not necessarily clear how maternal Marijuana use during pregnancy could have caused strep throat. Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus Pyogenes bacterium, not Marijuana, and the condition is not uncommon in newborns. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Strep throat can occur at any age, even during infancy.”

Meanwhile, brain bleeding — while it sounds serious and certainly can be — is an incredibly common condition in newborns. One study, conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, found that over a quarter of babies born vaginally are affected by the condition. Respiratory distress is also prevalent among newborns; a study published in the Vaccine journal called it “one of the most common problems [infants] encounter,” and the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that roughly 1 in 10 newborns require help breathing at birth.

Finally, jitteriness during crying is normal in children per the Seattle Children’s Hospital; it typically stops on its own after the baby is a few months old. None of Silas’s symptoms, therefore, may have had anything to do with his mother’s Marijuana use.

None of this is to say that Marijuana use during pregnancy is risk-free; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), use of Marijuana while pregnant may lead to a baby with a low birth weight. Additionally, breathing in any kind of smoke can be harmful to a mother and a developing fetus. Mothers should also be cautious about using Marijuana during breastfeeding, as more research needs to be done on its effects.

Could Drug Testing Be Discriminatory?

That apparent health issues with newborns may be attributable to many causes other than Marijuana use isn’t the only concern of those who criticize the drug testing of new and soon-to-be mothers. Dr. Jamila Perritt, OB/GYN and president and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, is worried that Americans of color and low-income Americans are likely to be disproportionately punished by drug testing during pregnancy and shortly thereafter.

The case of one Shakira Kennedy, a Black woman who used Marijuana to treat nausea during her pregnancy, may be an example of this. Kennedy testified to the New York State Assembly that “When my twins were born, the hospital drug-tested me without telling me.” Kennedy went on to say that “They found [Marijuana] in my system but not in my children,” but that the hospital notified New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services anyway; apparently just the fact that Kennedy had used Marijuana was enough.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2001 that hospitals cannot drug test pregnant women without their consent or a valid warrant. Testing mothers for drugs shortly after they give birth is another story, however; Ridgell’s case could set a precedent that affects mothers everywhere.

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Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-8, is a compound found in cannabis that has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Sales of the compound in the United States increased by 144% from April 2020 to April 2021. THC is the part of the Marijuana plant that produces the “high” feelings associated with cannabis products.

Delta-8 is similar to the major cannabinoid compound found in Marijuana, Delta-9. Small amounts of it occur naturally in cannabis but most commercially available products are made by chemically converting Delta-9-THC or cannabidiol (CBD).  Although comparable to Delta-9, Delta-8 is said to be less potent as it’s concentrations in the Marijuana plant are much lower. Because of the milder high provided, the substance is often called “Marijuana-lite” or “diet weed.” Despite this, there are still risks to using these products due to a lack of research and regulation.

Effects Of Delta-8

The cannabis plant contains more than 500 naturally occurring chemical compounds. Of those compounds, 100 are cannabinoids which means they bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. This is what produces the high feelings of THC. Although Delta-9 is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, Delta-8 can produce similar effects. The two compounds are almost identical in structure except for the location of a double bond. The double bond is found on the 8^th carbon in Delta-8’s structure and the 9^th carbon in Delta-9. This difference in double bond location makes Delta-8 less potent.

Because there is a lack of research, little is known about the effects of the substance’s use. Consumers report similar effects to THC. These effects include mild euphoria, happiness, uplifting feelings, and relief of pain. The possible adverse side effects are also not well researched but those who use Delta-8 products say confusion, anxiety, drowsiness, slow heart rate, numbness, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure can occur.

Legal Gray Area

Delta-8 is currently federally legal in the United States, essentially through a loophole. The Farm Bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that has been revisited and renewed every 5 years since the 1930s. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp with very small concentrations of THC from the definition of Marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Under this act, marijuana is listed as a schedule I controlled substance. The removal of hemp from the Farm Bill made it so cannabis products derived from hemp could legally be sold and used. Hemp is defined as cannabis products with less than .3% of THC. Because of its low concentrations of THC, the compound fits this description and is legal on a federal level.

Recently, 14 states have decided to make the extracted compound illegal to sell and use based on a lack of research on the effects. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Utah. Additionally, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina have issued public safety warnings for the compound.

Lack Of Regulation

The biggest risk to using Delta-8 is the fact that the substance is not approved by the FDA and is therefore unregulated. This lack of regulation increases the chance of dangerous contaminants being present in the products being sold. The US Cannabis Council did a private lab test on 16 Delta-8 products purchased in California, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Michigan, and Massachusetts. In this test, all but 1 sample contained amounts of illicit Delta-9. Additionally, several contained traces of heavy metals. Leafreport tested 38 Delta-8 products and had similar results. More than half had illicit levels of Delta-9. This test also showed the mislabeling that occurs with the compound because it is unregulated. 32% of the tested products matched the advertised amount while the rest were 10.7% to 102.7% off from the label.

Using Delta-8 can be dangerous because of how the compounds are sometimes extracted. Manufacturers may use dichloromethane which emits highly toxic fumes when exposed to heat. Occasionally the compound is extracted with things like battery acid and pool chemicals. Because of the unregulated market, chemicals can sometimes be left in the products and can be harmful when eaten, smoked, or vaped.

Increasing Delta-8 Incidents

The legal gray area that Delta-8 exists in makes it so there are no age restrictions on the purchase of these products. Additionally, young children and teenagers have the risk of accidentally taking Delta-8 as packaging is often like CBD. Low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, severe sedation, coma, and psychological effects can be caused when a younger person uses Delta-8. Long term effects are not known at this point.

Reported incidents have been increasing with the compound’s popularity. The North Carolina Poison Control Center reported having 157 cases related to Delta-8. Because the compound has not been studied extensively, many healthcare workers don’t know much about the substance or how to best treat those with adverse side effects.

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Experts continue to warn against the use of Delta-8. Its potential benefits and medical uses are mostly spread by word-of-mouth and social. These claims do not have research to back them up. The unregulated market of Delta-8 makes the substance dangerous to purchase from places like connivence stores and boutique weed dispensaries.

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Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson has failed her drug test and is suspended for 30 days from the 2021 Summer Olympics. The track star tested positive for THC, a chemical found in Marijuana, so she cannot run alongside her Olympian teammates for an entire month. According to the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the runner must also forfeit any medals, points, and prizes she acquired during her qualifier. The news broke after the athlete victoriously won the 100-meter race in the US Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 19th. 

Sha’Carri Richardson’s period of ineligibility began on June 28th, which means that by July 28th, she may be able to run alongside her fellow track athletes. Though her chances are slim, the upcoming star could participate in the Tokyo Games 4×100-meter relay. Still, the suspension removes her from running the 100-meter race, her signature event.

Sha’Carri Richardson Takes Responsibility For Her Actions

As a response to speculations and in hopes of clearing the air Sha’Carri Richardson quickly released a statement. On July 2nd, the track star appeared on the Today show to, “take responsibility for her actions.” She declared to the world that she did fail her drug test. She stated, “I know what I did. I know what I’m supposed to do, I’m allowed not to do, and I still made that decision. I’m not making any excuses or looking for any empathy.” 

After her public announcement, many rose to her defense, like Olympic Gold Medalist soccer player Sydney Leroux and Megan Rapinoe. According to her supporters, the suspension is unfair since Marijuana is not a performance-enhancing drug. Others claim the policy is outdated and firmly rooted in racism, only contributing further to the policing of African Americans. On July 2nd Congressman Jamaal Bowman tweeted, “There is no need for Sha’Carri to apologize. We need to get rid of archaic rules for a substance that is fully legal in 19 states plus D.C. And we need to legalize it at the federal level.” Still, not everyone shared this sentiment. When asked about his opinions on whether or not Sha’Carri Richardson should be allowed to run in the Olympics, President Joe Biden said, “The rules are the rules. Whether they should remain the rules is a different issue, but the rules are the rules.”

What Led To Her Critical Decision?  

With so much on the line, like fame, honor, and glory, what led Sha’Carri Richardson to make the critical decision? During her airtime on the Today show, the runner candidly spoke about her struggles. She confessed to discovering through a reporter that her biological mother had passed. Richardson was made aware of the death during a live interview. She said the shocking news, alongside the pressure to make the Olympic team, led to her Marijuana use. Richardson knew she could not “hide” and would “still have to go out and put out a performance.” As a way of coping with her pain, she turned to drug use. 

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Coping Mechanisms, Judgement, And Change

Sha’Carri Richardson’s decision to use Marijuana as a coping mechanism has stirred the world. Once again, the question of whether or not policymakers should legalize weed in the United States is front and center. Supporters of cannabis claim it lacks any scientific basis rooted solely in systemic racism. Non-supporters of progressive drug policies believe Richardson’s suspension is another win against the war on drugs. Whose viewpoint is correct? More discussion and research are needed to understand what is the right choice. Still, there are thousands of people like Sha’Carri Richardson who are coping through life by using Marijuana. In a tweet, she writes, “don’t judge me because I am human. I’m you. I just happen to run a little faster.” 

While the world decides whether or not Marijuana is safe to introduce recreationally to our lives, we must all remember to be empathetic to anyone battling substance abuse. The stigmatization surrounding drug use and addiction only adds to the strain felt by individuals trying to take life one day at a time. Though people should, of course, be held accountable for their actions, we are all human, and we all make mistakes. Mental health disorders and addiction are diseases no one chooses. Ensuring ample resources are available to help anyone overcome any mental health challenges or addictions now or in the future is essential. 

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Historically, young adults and alcohol have meshed together like coffee and cream. Whether at a party or group outing, alcohol has always been a staple in American social events. Surprisingly, the trend seems to be changing. More Millennials and Gen Z are abstaining from alcohol more than ever before. They are cutting down or choosing not to drink at all. 

Dubbed as the “Dry Generation,” 30% of college-aged adults are avoiding drinking. Traditionally, consuming alcohol was considered a right of passage into adulthood. Learning how to “hold your liquor” is a skill that takes practice and signifies maturity. Fast-forward to today; these newer generations are quickly doing away with the toxic tradition. Researchers found that alcohol abstinence between 16 to 24-year-olds increased from 18% in 2005 to 29% in 2015. They also discovered that alcohol abuse among the same age group decreased by 50% from 2002 to 2018. Why are young Americans drinking less? 

Young Adults, Smoking Habits, And Illicit Drug Use

According to a study performed by the University of Michigan, the answer may be found in the “Dry Generation’s” smoking habits and illicit drug use. In the U.S., daily Marijuana use is up to 7.8%. The amount of cannabis users is the highest it’s been in over 40 years. There is also a rise in Amphetamine use. The misuse of Amphetamines like Ritalin and Adderall rose to about 3%. Hookah and e-vaporizers are also trending. Almost a fifth of young adults either vape or smoke hookah. 

The trend to experiment with new substances among young adults is changing the nation’s traditional landscape. When experimenting, older generations like Baby Boomers or Gen X used to drink alcohol or smoke weed. Today, individuals are staying away from alcohol and trying new substances or mixing. The shift is giving rise to co-occurring disorders. 

The Co-Occurring Disorder Trend Among Young Adults

The co-occurring disorder trend among young adults is climbing. A recent survey identified that 18% of college-age adults who drink and smoke weed enjoy being “crossfaded.” Being “crossfaded” is a slang term for getting drunk and high from Marijuana at the same time. Crossfading is glamorized by celebrities like Lil Wayne and Ryan Langdon. The trend has gained popularity among youth and is commonly seen in college parties. 

Though being crossfaded is deemed as relatively harmless, it is far from it. People who smoke weed and drink are more likely to binge or develop an alcohol addiction. It also makes it difficult to gauge how intoxicated a person may be. The lack of symptoms can lead to negative outcomes like drunk driving. The less intoxicated a person seems, the more likely they are to engage in dangerous behaviors like driving under the influence. Drinking while smoking is associated with a higher likelihood of driving under the influence and DUI’s. What is even more concerning is the 75% of co-users who also take other illicit substances. In 2020, the University of Michigan revealed that a fifth of young Americans misused prescription drugs while “crossfaded.” In contrast, only 2.5% of young adults who abstained from alcohol and marijuana misused prescription drugs. 

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Alcohol Abstinence, Weed Use: The Key To Polysubstance Abuse?

Based on recent research, alcohol abstinence does not lead to polysubstance abuse. However, there is a rise in drug experimentation, which may be leading to co-occurring disorders. Young adults are using Marijuana more than ever before. This increase in weed’s popularity may be correlated with the rise of polysubstance abuse. It is still too early to tell whether this correlation is true and more research is needed. In the meantime, Marijuana will only continue to gain popularity as it becomes legalized in many states. 

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The night of the election brought about several changes to the United States. One of the changes centered on the decriminalization of drug possession in Oregon. To be specific, the state of Oregon has declared the decriminalization of marijuana as well as the possession of hard drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin utilizing Measure 110. Additionally, the measure reduces the penalties for the possession of larger amounts of drugs. Aside from marijuana being decriminalized, this decriminalization of drugs includes stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine. Additionally, reports indicate LSD and Oxycodone decriminalization are in effect. In addition to the decriminalization of such drugs, funding for treatment, and harm reduction programs would be in effect for recovery.

Much of the decision to decriminalize drugs stemmed from voters showing a resistance to the American war on drugs. As of late, many states have shown a relaxed attitude to the legalization of marijuana, with 1 in 3 Americans residing in a state that allows recreational marijuana use for those aged 21 or older. Twenty-six states have decriminalized marijuana for recreational use. Due to research revealing ways that drugs like Psilocybin mushroom’s ability to aid in depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other conditions, states like Washington D.C. have approved the use of this substance in small amounts. Oregon participated as they approved Measure 109 in order to decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms. The catch is it must be used in a state-licensed psilocybin-assisted program and solely for those battling challenging mental health conditions.

The Pros Of Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization

The decriminalization of drugs does not permit the widespread use of drugs. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, there were roughly 1.6 million arrests in 2018 for drug possession alone. The decriminalization of drugs for Oregon would help protect some people in such cases by, “removing the penalty for the possession of small amounts of drugs.” Furthermore, it allows people to take control of their addiction by offering them the option of getting health checkups. This is based on the condition they do not want to finance or cannot afford to pay fines for drug penalties. Portugal implemented drug decriminalization with positive results stemming from decreases in drug fatalities (from 80 to 16 in the span of 11 years) decreases in HIV diagnoses, and decreases in drug-possession prisoners.

Another incentive for the decriminalization of drugs is reducing racially motivated arrests, saving costs used to imprison people, and reducing costs used to persecute people. For example, African Americans are much more likely to be penalized and more harshly than white counterparts for drug possession. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission states the measure 110, “would reduce convictions for drug possessions by nearly 90%,” eliminating the high numbers of jailed African Americans for such offenses. This can possibly nullify racial stereotypes related to drug possession. The health of those impacted by drug possession gain exposure to treatment, with an understanding how treatment works. If they struggle with substance abuse, they would have care. This opens them up to receiving help during addiction.

Concerns On Measure 110

Despite Measure 110 seeking to reduce inmate populations surrounding drug possession and provide the option of health screenings and treatment, some still have fears. Some people believe the decriminalization of drugs will allow for widespread use as people may not fear consequences of possession. Some critics have posed the idea that people may desire drugs more because there are less legal risks; however, many believe the opposite would occur. Since stigmas with drug abuse may become lessened, people may feel that substance abuse is less of a taboo. This could lead to the increase of people seeking treatment for their substance use disorder and not hiding it from friends or family.

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