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Accidental Exposures to Fentanyl Patches Continue to Be Deadly to Children

(Food and Drug Administration) Accidental exposure to medication is a leading cause of poisoning in children. Young children, in particular, have died or become seriously ill after being exposed to a skin patch containing fentanyl, a powerful opioid pain reliever.

Drug Overdoses Killed A Record Number Of Americans In 2020, Jumping By Nearly 30%

(NPR, July 14) Last year, more than 93,000 Americans died as a result of a drug overdose, according to new preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This number is more than 30% of 2019’s total. 

Doctors May Be Overprescribing Opioids After Surgeries 

(HealthDay News, June 14) Researchers from the University of Michigan found that there wasn’t a big difference in pain relief between patients prescribed opioids following surgery and patients prescribed non-opioids after surgery.  

THC edibles

More Pot-Linked Poisoning Cases as Edibles' Popularity Booms 

(HealthDay News, May 25) The number of marijuana-related calls to poison control centers in the U.S. jumped about 35% between 2017 and 2019, according to a new study. 

Study: Marijuana Use May Be Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Young Adults 

(National Institutes of Health, June 22) Marijuana use could be linked to increased risk of suicidal thoughts, plan, and attempt among young adults, according to researchers who analyzed data from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health between 2008-2019. 

Picture of a pregnant stomach

Heavy marijuana use during pregnancy linked to premature birth, early infant death

(NBC News, April 23) The babies of women who were heavy marijuana users during their pregnancies are more likely to be born premature or pass away within their first year of life than the babies of women who did not use marijuana, according to a report. 

vape pen with smoke

Colorado reckons with high-potency marijuana and its impact on children

(Denver Post, April 22) Potent marijuana is harmful to the mental health of young people, according to research.

pregnant woman holding marijuana leaf

THC From Pot Lingers in Breast Milk for Weeks: Study

(Health Day News, March 11) According to a new study, THC, the ingredient in marijuana that causes a user’s high, can remain in a mother’s breast milk for up to six weeks after she uses the drug. 

Overdose graphic

Rising U.S. Deaths After Users Mix Coke, Meth With an Opioid

(Health Day News, April 2) Cocaine deaths have increased in recent years because more people are combining the drug with an opioid, according to a new report. 

older man

Drug use among older persons a ‘hidden epidemic’, narcotics experts warn

(UN News, March 25) Worldwide, drug use among adults over 65 has increased in recently, according to a report from the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).