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New Jersey’s New Cannabis Laws
On February 22, New Jersey passed several laws legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. This new legislation will have far reaching implications for New Jersey communities, families and businesses.
For families, this can be a teachable moment to talk with children about the effects marijuana can have on the developing mind and body. It could be an opportunity to have a family discussion or perhaps create a family policy of expectations regarding cannabis. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) will continue to provide messaging to New Jersey residents about the potential impacts that marijuana can have on today’s youth.
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A New Opioid Addiction Device to Aid in Withdrawal Symptoms
I am happy to report that the FDA has cleared S.T. Genesis, a new non-invasive device that manages opioid withdrawal symptoms without any added medication.
The device is having great success and can work quickly to wean patients off opioids. It worn behind the ear for five days and aids in the reduction of opioid withdrawal symptoms through application to the cranial and occipital nerves.
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Drug Free USA Forever Stamp
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is always looking to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and misuse. Sadly, too many lives are lost each year to drug overdoses due to illicit drug use. There have been 3,021 suspected overdoses deaths in New Jersey in 2020, and more than 70,000 lives lost nationwide.
We wanted to make you aware of recent collaboration between the United States Post Office (USPS) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) that has unveiled a new stamp to promote the battle against drug abuse and drug abuse prevention. The Drug Free USA Forever stamp will help publicize the dangers of illicit drug use and promote drug abuse prevention. It is available to purchase for the next year.
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Guest Blog: Vaping and Marijuana
This week’s guest blogger, Dr. Heather Athanasiou of Community in Crisis shares the latest information about vaping and marijuana, a troubling trend among today’s youth.
Sadly, more and more young adults are vaping not only nicotine, but marijuana as well. The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) recently launched a media campaign addressing the dangers and risks associated with young people using marijuana.
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Guest Blog: Operation Helping Hand
The ongoing pandemic continues to have a profound impact on those affected by substance use disorder. In 2020, more than 2,300 people in New Jersey died of a drug overdose through September, a majority of which involved some form of opioid.
Attorney General Gubir Grewal and the Office of the Attorney General have continued to support and collaborate with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) on a number of efforts to address the opioid crisis effecting our state, including our Law Enforcement Conference, Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, and participation in other PDFNJ/Horizon Knock Out Opioid Abuse Initiatives.
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Opioid Drug Use Is On The Rise In New Jersey
Last week, New Jersey’s Department of Human Services released its annual list of heroin abuse cases reported by each community in the state. These reported numbers indicate that the opioid and heroin crisis continues to rage on and the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the problem. As the list makes apparent, the opioid epidemic is impacting urban, suburban and rural communities throughout New Jersey.
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Consulting Firm McKinsey & Company Suggested Purdue Pharma Pay Rebates for Overdoses
Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, recently agreed to plead guilty to felony charges for illegally incentivizing doctors to prescribe more opioid-based pain relievers to patients, even though the company was aware how highly addictive these medicines are.
It recently came to light in an New York Times article that the consulting firm McKinsey & Company advised members of the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, on several ways to increase sales of OxyContin. One way included considering giving the company’s distributors a rebate for every overdose attributed to the pills they sold.
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An Inspiring Story on Inauguration Day
While all of our eyes may be focused on today’s Inauguration taking place in our nation’s capital, I wanted to take a moment to share an inspiring story of a newly elected Washington state legislator.
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Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs Music Competition Is Underway
In this week’s blog we hear from two past winners; Shannon Harrington, this 2020 first-place winner from Barnegat High School, and Dan Burdman, one of the winners in 2006. They each share their insights and explain how students can benefit from taking part in the competition.
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Families Anonymous for the Family Disease
All of us at the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey hope that you had a safe and happy holiday.
This week’s guest blogger, Jeff Schultz, is sharing his experience with Family Anonymous (FA), a support organization open to all family members and friends of those with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues.
Jeff’s journey to help those with loved ones in recovery began in 2011 when his son entered an addiction treatment center. His story on the parallel roads of recovery for a parent and their child, "Lost and Found," can be found at PersonalJourneys.AJC.com/lost-found.
I also wanted to remind you that PDFNJ’s workplace prevention program, Drugs Don’t Work in NJ will be holding its free annual members’ webinar at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12. The webinar will examine the recently passed referendum legalizing the use of recreational marijuana in the state and how it will affect the workplace. Click here to register and learn more.
Continued wishes to stay safe and well.