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New Law in NJ Regulates Sales of Hemp Products
Since the passage of the Farm Bill by the U.S. Congress back in 2018, intoxicating hemp products have been sold in New Jersey and throughout the rest of the country. The products (sold as gummies, candies, cookies and drinks) contain low levels of THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana. This has put consumers in confusing and potentially harmful situations, as these products are being sold without any meaningful regulation, testing or safety standards.
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New Challenge in the Opioid Crisis: Addressing Medetomidine
Several of my most recent blogs have focused on the rise of various adulterants in the illicit drug supply and how drug trends in Philadelphia make their way into all parts of New Jersey. That is now happening with medetomidine, a potent synthetic sedative used in veterinary medicine.
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Marijuana Laws Are Shifting, but the Risks for Teens Are Becoming Clearer
As marijuana laws continue to change, it can be easy to assume that cannabis is no longer a serious concern, especially for young people. But changes in legislation do not change how marijuana affects the adolescent brain. In fact, new research suggests that even occasional use can have real consequences for teens.
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Drug-Free New Jersey’s Annual Drug-Free Workplace Webinar
In our ongoing effort to promote prevention and education, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey will host its annual drug-free workplace webinar: “What Does Being a Drug-Free Workplace Mean in 2026?” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 10.
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Why Healthy Aging and Opioid Safety Belong in the Same Conversation
Older adults are being hit harder by the opioid crisis than many people realize. Since 2015, overdose deaths involving fentanyl among adults over 65 have risen by an alarming 9,000 percent nationwide. Here in New Jersey, the impact is just as sobering: between January and November 2025, 365 adults age 55 and older experienced suspected overdose deaths, the highest number of fatalities of any age group in the state.
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One Song Could Save a Life: New Jersey Teens Take on Impaired Driving
New Jersey is often ranked as one of the safest states in the country for teen drivers, thanks to strong graduated licensing laws, zero-tolerance impaired driving policies, and robust education efforts. That's something to be proud of. But even in one of the safest states, one impaired driving crash is too many.
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Bill Empowers Patients to Make Own Decision on Use of Opioids
We can take a moment as we start the new year to acknowledge the good news regarding the downward trend of opioid overdoses in our state and throughout the nation. We recognize there is no “one magic bullet” that has brought this change about. Instead, a comprehensive approach has been established to prevent the misuse of opioids.
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Better Tracking of Nitazene Needed to Fight Overdoses
In a blog I wrote last month, I noted the rising use of nitazenes, a synthetic opioid up to 43 times stronger than fentanyl. We now realize a comprehensive effort is needed to address this new and growing reality in the opioid crisis. In a recent article, Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician, identifies the need to improve tracking of overdose deaths caused by nitazene use.
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Happy New Year!
All of us at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey want to wish you a safe, healthy and peaceful New Year.
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Warm Wishes for the Holiday Season!
All of us at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey would like to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy Hannukah & Kwanza. We extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful and joyous holiday season!
Continued wishes to stay safe and well.