In HHS Region 8, overdose deaths attributed to fentanyl increased by 27% in South Dakota to 125% in Utah from 2019 to 2020. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), fentanyl is rapidly becoming the number one drug threat surpassing stimulants, especially in this region. In addition, Xylazine (also known as Tranq), a powerful sedative used in veterinary practice, is being mixed into fentanyl. Both SAMHSA and the DEA released alerts in March 2023 for healthcare professionals regarding risks to patients exposed to Xylazine as the problems associated with this drug are moving towards the plains and western states. Finally, synthetic psychoactive cannabis products that include Delta 8 THC are marketed to youth and sold over-the-counter in many states. Public health concerns and approaches related to Delta 8 THC will be discussed.
These three substances, Fentanyl, Xylazine, and Synthetic Psychoactive Cannabis, will be the focus of this two-part webinar series. The goal is to increase the knowledge and awareness of treatment and recovery professionals by helping prepare their responses to individuals using these substances. Best practices suggest that these trending substances will require more proactive efforts.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
11:00 am - 12:30pm Mountain
12 - 1:30pm Central
Description: The 2018 Farm Bill has led to the introduction of several types of psychoactive cannabis products in the U.S. market. This presentation explores the diverse range of products that have recently become available and discusses the associated public health concerns. We will delve into a series of interconnected studies that investigate the marketing of Delta-8 THC, as marketing elements (such as products, prices, promotion, and placement) greatly influence usage, especially among young people. Further, we will explore potential policy solutions that may help mitigate these risks.
Presenter: Matthew Rossheim, PhD, MPH, CPH
Click Here for Part 2 - Illicit Drug Supply in 2023: Fentanyl and Xylazine
