Researchers have discovered fentanyl, a potent synthetic painkiller, along with other pharmaceuticals in dolphins inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico, raising alarm about the infiltration of human drugs into marine ecosystems. Tissue samples from 89 common bottlenose dolphins revealed pharmaceutical contamination, including fentanyl in 24 specimens, spanning as far back as 2013. The findings reflect how dolphins, as apex predators, may...
January 17, 2025
Community Voices
Tobacco Firms Criticised for Using E-Cigarettes to Rebrand
Major tobacco companies are under fire for using e-cigarettes as tools to clean up their damaged reputations. Industry leaders like Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco (BAT) boast ambitious commitments to a “smoke-free future” and a “better tomorrow”, but critics argue these claims are largely empty rhetoric designed to deflect attention from the ongoing harms caused by their...
Australian Drug Summit Sparks Debate on Decriminalisation
This week, an international drug summit in Sydney brought together hundreds of politicians, policy experts, law enforcement, and health professionals to discuss the future of drug policy in Australia. The event has ignited robust debate, with Australian authorities facing criticism for ruling out the decriminalisation of drug use and possession – a proposal heavily supported by some experts and advocacy...
UK’s Rising Drug Deaths Spark Renewed Debate on Failing Policies and Leniency in Drug Enforcement
Drug-related deaths in the UK have reached crisis levels, with fatalities now three times higher than those caused by road accidents. Last year alone, 5,448 people in England and Wales died as a result of illegal drug use, including substances like cocaine and heroin, while Scotland saw a further 1,172 deaths. These grim figures, which are continuing to climb, fail...
U.S: Mushroom Gummies Recall Sparks Renewed Health Alert
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a renewed warning about Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies, which have been linked to 180 illnesses, 73 hospitalisations, and three potential deaths across 34 states. Although the products were subjected to a nationwide recall in June 2024, reports suggest they are still available for purchase in some stores and...
Former Tobacco Executive’s Appointment to UK Cancer Committee Stirs Controversy
The appointment of Ruth Dempsey, a former senior director at tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI), to the UK Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (CoC) has sparked widespread criticism. Dempsey, who worked with PMI for 28 years and continues to receive a pension and hold shares in the company, joined the committee in...
US Push for Opioid Settlement Fund Transparency Gains Momentum
Efforts to ensure transparency in how US states utilise opioid settlement funds are intensifying, with advocates like Toni Torsch at the forefront. After losing her son Dan to an overdose in 2010, Torsch co-founded the Daniel Carl Torsch Foundation and now campaigns for accountability in fund spending to support families impacted by addiction. Maryland, her home state, is among 12...
Minority-Owned Cannabis Transporters Sue Illinois for Discrimination
Seven independent cannabis transport companies have filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture, alleging discriminatory practices that disproportionately benefitted larger, majority white- and male-owned businesses. The plaintiffs, all majority-owned by women and minorities, argue that the department introduced “quickie” licence applications in 2021, allowing established cultivation centres to bypass rigorous compliance procedures. This expedited process gave larger companies...
US: DC-Area Schools Install Vape Detectors as Youth E-Cigarette Use Declines
Schools in the Washington, D.C. area are stepping up efforts to curb youth vaping by installing vape detectors, joining a national drive to limit access to tobacco and nicotine products among teens. The FDA has been cracking down on flavoured e-cigarettes, which are seen as targeting young people, while local bans on flavoured tobacco sales and restrictions near schools reinforce...
North and South Dakota Reject Recreational Marijuana
Voters in North Dakota and South Dakota have rejected initiatives to legalise recreational marijuana, highlighting the conservative stance of these deep-red states. In North Dakota, less than 48% of voters supported Initiated Measure 5, which proposed allowing adults to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow three plants at home. South Dakota’s Initiated Measure 29, which received support...
Pizzeria’s THC Mix-Up: A Lesson in Transparency and Community Resilience in U.S
In a surprising turn of events, Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, Wisconsin, found itself at the centre of a peculiar controversy after 60 pizzas were accidentally made with oil contaminated with THC, the psychoactive component found in cannabis. The incident has sparked widespread attention and a flurry of community reactions. The mishap occurred when oil, intended for another business using...
Corporate Influence and Risks: Florida’s Amendment 3 Under Scrutiny
Florida voters are being urged to consider Amendment 3, presented as a measure promoting choice and freedom. However, critics argue it masks a corporate agenda aimed at market domination, not community welfare. Governor Ron DeSantis has cautioned against external influences manipulating state laws for profit, rather than public interest. A coalition of parents, teachers, law enforcement, faith leaders, and business...
Australia NT: Health Leaders Urge Government to Uphold Alcohol Harm Reduction Measures
A coalition of health, community, Aboriginal, and research leaders has penned an urgent letter to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, imploring the Northern Territory government to maintain critical alcohol harm reduction measures. This plea comes amidst concerns over potential policy changes that could dismantle proven strategies such as Minimum Unit Pricing and reduced trading hours for alcohol outlets, which have been...
Frightening Fentanyl Fallout: The Answer is in Demand Reduction, Supply Reduction & Recovery
The fentanyl crisis has emerged as one of America’s most pressing public health emergencies, with devastating consequences that touch every corner of society. Only ‘layering’ up on the worst opioid addiction disaster (arguably) in US history. In a shocking revelation of the crisis’s scope, fatal drug poisonings reached a record 111,451 in the 12 months ending in August 2023, with...
Educational Leaders Unite: Campaign Against Recreational Marijuana in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, a robust campaign has emerged against the sale of recreational marijuana, spearheaded by notable elected officials from the region. Leading this initiative are school board presidents Parth Melpakam, Aaron Salt, and Lori Thompson, who have publicly urged voters to support ballot Question 2D, which seeks to ban retail marijuana establishments, and oppose Question 300, which would allow...
The Impact of Drug-Related Deaths on Families and Communities in Scotland
Scotland has been grappling with a significant crisis of drug-related deaths, a situation that has positioned the country with the highest rate of such fatalities in Europe since 2018. Public Health Scotland has published a comprehensive review analysing the circumstances surrounding each drug-related death that occurred in the nation during 2019 and 2020. This analysis provides crucial insights into the...
New Initiative: Citizens Draft Solutions for Drug Issues
In an effort to address the rising drug death crisis, the Scottish government has initiated a people’s panel consisting of 25 randomly selected individuals from across the nation. This panel, deemed broadly representative of the Scottish population, is tasked with evaluating and proposing innovative solutions to reduce drug-related harms. With drug-related deaths reaching 1,172 last year, an increase from the...
Maryland’s Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis Through National Drug Take Back Day
Maryland is taking proactive steps to address the opioid crisis by participating in the National Drug Take Back Day, an initiative designed to provide a safe, anonymous way for residents to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. This effort, spearheaded by the Maryland State Police in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), aims to reduce prescription drug misuse and raise...
Empowering Lives: Transforming Communities Through Invisible Cities
In the heart of the UK, Invisible Cities is making a profound impact by offering formerly homeless individuals a chance to reinvent their lives. By training them as tour guides, this innovative initiative not only opens doors to new career paths but also instills a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. The Role of Community Support Community support is pivotal...
How a Convict Manipulated Marijuana Petition Signatures in 2022
In a startling revelation, fresh details have surfaced in the case against Colton Edward Brady, a convicted felon charged with submitting fraudulent signatures for a 2022 Florida recreational marijuana petition. Brady, 34, from Fayetteville, Georgia, was tasked by Sensible Florida Inc. to gather voter signatures for an initiative aimed at legalising possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. His...
Nitazenes: The New Synthetic Opioid Threat
Introduction to a New Crisis A new class of synthetic opioids, nitazenes, is making waves across the globe, raising alarms among scientists and policymakers. These potent substances, which are potentially more dangerous than fentanyl, have been reported in various countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. As the global drug supply becomes increasingly contaminated with these powerful opioids,...
Underage Vaping in North Carolina: A Loophole in the Law
The Legal Loophole: An Age Discrepancy In the bustling state of North Carolina, where more than 13,000 outlets sell tobacco products, the ease with which underage individuals can obtain vapes remains a pressing concern. Despite federal regulations requiring purchasers to be 21, state laws permit tobacco sales to those as young as 18, creating a gap that many fear is...
Alcohol’s Impact on Domestic Violence
On 16 September, a pivotal webinar took place, shedding light on the critical intersection between alcohol consumption and gendered violence. The discussion, enriched by the insights of esteemed panelists, delved into how alcohol exacerbates violence and highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions. The Panelists Alcohol’s Role in Intensifying Violence The webinar underscored a stark reality: alcohol significantly amplifies violence....
Understanding FASD: A Mother’s Fight for Her Child’s Future
A mother recounts her arduous journey of raising a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), highlighting the profound challenges of navigating misdiagnoses and advocating for her son’s needs. Initially misdiagnosed with autism, her son faced setbacks as interventions for autism proved counterproductive. This experience underscores the critical importance of accurate diagnosis, as FASD requires distinct support strategies. Throughout her...
Debate Heats Up in Iowa City Over Proposed Kratom Ban
Iowa City is considering a ban on the sale of kratom, an herbal substance currently available in local shops. If implemented, this ban could restrict access for individuals like Howard Techau, who claims that kratom has eased his chronic pain and enabled him to stop using prescription opioids. Techau is worried about the possibility of a domino effect leading to...
Rising Drug Threats: Young Addicts and Insufficient Support
In Washington state, the story of Maddy, a teenager battling fentanyl addiction, highlights severe challenges faced by young addicts. Maddy’s experience illustrates the alarming gaps in the treatment system for youth, as the state lacks dedicated detox facilities for minors. Despite the urgent need, Washington provides no youth-specific detox beds, forcing families to navigate a healthcare system unprepared for the...
FDA Urged to Act as School Year Starts: Protecting Kids from Illegal Vapes
As the new school year begins, Gil Kerlikowske emphasises the urgent need for the FDA to enhance its protection of U.S. children from illegal, disposable e-cigarettes. These products, primarily imported from China, are exploiting insufficient U.S. enforcement and have contributed to a dramatic increase in their use among high school students. Since 2019, there has been a 1,336% spike in...
Parents Outraged Over Drug Rehab Centre Proposed Above Nursery
Furious parents and local residents have voiced strong opposition to Tower Hamlets Council’s proposal to establish a drug rehabilitation centre above Step by Step Nursery in Wapping, East London. The nursery, which cares for 52 children under the age of five, has become the focal point of protests led by concerned parents, staff, and local councillors. Demonstrators argue that the...
Teen Faces Struggles After Father’s Heroin Overdose
A 15-year-old teen is grappling with the emotional aftermath of losing their father to a heroin overdose, as recounted in a poignant letter to Dear Abby. The teen, who discovered their father upon exiting the shower, is haunted by recurring memories of the tragic event and is struggling with feelings of guilt and despair. Despite the father’s long-standing battle with...
Marijuana’s Impact: Public Opinion Takes a Turn
Recent findings from a Gallup poll highlight a notable shift in American perceptions regarding marijuana’s impact on society and individual users. The survey, conducted between July 1 and July 21, 2024, reveals a growing belief that marijuana use carries negative consequences, a significant change from two years ago. Gallup Poll Results The survey indicates that 54% of Americans now believe...
Featured Stories
Pharmaceutical Contamination in Gulf of Mexico Dolphins Raises Marine Ecosystem Concerns
Researchers have discovered fentanyl, a potent synthetic painkiller, along with other pharmaceuticals in dolphins inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico, raising...
Tobacco Firms Criticised for Using E-Cigarettes to Rebrand
Major tobacco companies are under fire for using e-cigarettes as tools to clean up their damaged reputations. Industry leaders like...
Australian Drug Summit Sparks Debate on Decriminalisation
This week, an international drug summit in Sydney brought together hundreds of politicians, policy experts, law enforcement, and health professionals...
UK’s Rising Drug Deaths Spark Renewed Debate on Failing Policies and Leniency in Drug Enforcement
Drug-related deaths in the UK have reached crisis levels, with fatalities now three times higher than those caused by road...
U.S: Mushroom Gummies Recall Sparks Renewed Health Alert
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a renewed warning about Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies,...
Former Tobacco Executive’s Appointment to UK Cancer Committee Stirs Controversy
The appointment of Ruth Dempsey, a former senior director at tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI), to the UK Committee...
US Push for Opioid Settlement Fund Transparency Gains Momentum
Efforts to ensure transparency in how US states utilise opioid settlement funds are intensifying, with advocates like Toni Torsch at...
Minority-Owned Cannabis Transporters Sue Illinois for Discrimination
Seven independent cannabis transport companies have filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Agriculture, alleging discriminatory practices that disproportionately...
US: DC-Area Schools Install Vape Detectors as Youth E-Cigarette Use Declines
Schools in the Washington, D.C. area are stepping up efforts to curb youth vaping by installing vape detectors, joining a...
North and South Dakota Reject Recreational Marijuana
Voters in North Dakota and South Dakota have rejected initiatives to legalise recreational marijuana, highlighting the conservative stance of these...
Pizzeria’s THC Mix-Up: A Lesson in Transparency and Community Resilience in U.S
In a surprising turn of events, Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, Wisconsin, found itself at the centre of a peculiar...
Corporate Influence and Risks: Florida’s Amendment 3 Under Scrutiny
Florida voters are being urged to consider Amendment 3, presented as a measure promoting choice and freedom. However, critics argue...