As Americans reduce their alcohol consumption, a new product category is rapidly gaining popularity: THC-infused cannabis beverages. Often marketed as low-calorie, alcohol-free alternatives, these drinks are now appearing in bars, grocery stores, and major retail chains. Industry analysts expect sales to grow significantly over the next decade. While cannabis drinks are frequently framed as a…
As marijuana becomes legal in more states, cannabis-infused products are becoming increasingly common in homes across the country. Among the most concerning of these products are THC-infused edibles—such as gummies, chocolates, cookies, and candies—which often look nearly identical to ordinary treats. For young children, especially those under the age of five, this resemblance poses a…
A dangerous new class of synthetic opioids, nitazenes, is driving overdose deaths across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. These drugs can be up to 40 times more potent than fentanyl, making even tiny amounts potentially lethal. Nitazenes appeal to drug traffickers because of their extreme potency and low production cost. For users, that potency translates…
Methamphetamine use is no longer a problem confined to the West Coast or specific subcultures. Across the United States, meth is increasingly intertwined with the fentanyl crisis, creating a dangerous and often deadly drug landscape that looks very different from past decades. This pairing, sometimes referred to as synthetic speedballing, combines a powerful stimulant (methamphetamine)…
The Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the country, will host the 29 th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At nearly 4,000 collection sites throughout the United States, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages Americans to safely and…
A new substance trend is raising red flags: “Feel Free,” a beverage containing kratom, a plant with opioid-like effects, is being sold in small blue bottles at gas stations, vape shops, and online. Marketed as an alcohol alternative or “wellness tonic,” this product can pose serious risks to health and safety. What’s Going On What…
The DEA’s newly released 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment reveals a deeply concerning trend: veterinary medications are increasingly being misused in the illicit drug supply. The animal tranquilizer xylazine—often called “tranq”—continues to be the most common additive found in fentanyl powder. Even more alarming, a newer veterinary sedative, medetomidine, is now appearing in street fentanyl…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling on manufacturers of nicotine pouches to adopt child-resistant packaging, following a concerning rise in accidental poisonings among young children. What the FDA Found What FDA Is Recommending Why This Matters Many nicotine pouch products have bright colors, fruity flavors, or packaging that could appeal to children, making…
A new and extremely dangerous class of synthetic opioids, nicknamed “Frankenstein Opioids,” has been seized in all 50 states, alarming health experts and law enforcement across the country. What Are Frankenstein Opioids? Frankenstein opioids, also known as nitazenes, were first developed in the 1950s as potential pain relievers but were never approved for medical use.…
The Maryland Department of Health has released the Drug Overdose Surveillance and Epidemiology (DOSE) Annual Report for 2023, analyzing suspected non-fatal overdose trends across the state. Using emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency department (ED) data, the report provides an important look at overdose patterns. While non-fatal suspected overdose rates statewide decreased by 15% in…
