Our talented team has created fact sheets on many substances, providing accessible and quick-to-read information to you, your family, and your friends.
Substance Fact Sheets
Cannabis edibles
Cannabis edibles provide a smokeless alternative to consuming cannabis. They come in the form of tasty treats that often resemble regular snacks. Unfortunately, this resemblance makes them appealing to children, leading to a rise in accidental cannabis ingestion cases reported by hospitals.
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Cannabis use and pregnancy
Cannabis use during pregnancy can harm the developing baby in several ways. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis can negatively impact the baby's brain development, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and behavioral issues. It is also associated with low birth weight and an increased risk of preterm labor and delivery, both of which can have serious health consequences for the newborn. Furthermore, cannabis use increases the risk of pregnancy complications, which can affect both mother and baby. THC can remain in breast milk for up to six days, passing to the baby's fat cells and potentially impacting their growth and development.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also diverted for abuse (DEA).
Medetomidine
A new CNS depressant called medetomidine has been found in combination with fentanyl in recent mass overdose outbreaks in various locations. These drug products can also contain xylazine and other substances, leading to severe adverse effects such as heightened sedation and bradycardia. In December 2023, a Toxic Adulterant Alert for medetomidine was issued due to its appearance in the recreational drug supply. It is crucial to raise public awareness about the dangers of these substances to prevent further mass overdose outbreaks.
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Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a potent and highly addictive stimulant that impacts the central nervous system. Originally derived from amphetamine, it was used in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It induces heightened activity, reduced appetite, and euphoria. Compared to amphetamine, methamphetamine reaches the brain in significantly more significant amounts, making it a more potent and longer-lasting stimulant with detrimental effects on the central nervous system. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes methamphetamine as a Schedule II stimulant with limited medical use.
Nitazenes
Fatal overdose cases linked to nitazenes, a new illegal synthetic opioid, have been reported by multiple states. These "Frankenstein opioids" are not authorized for use in the US and are classified as Schedule I substances. They are often mixed with fentanyl or heroin; according to laboratory tests, some types are even more potent than fentanyl.
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Vaping
Vaping is a method of smoking. Vape devices powered by batteries produce an aerosol that contains nicotine, flavorings, and over 30 other chemicals. When the aerosol is inhaled, it enters the lungs, and the nicotine and chemicals pass into the bloodstream. A vape pod contains the same amount of nicotine as 40 cigarettes. Vaping can lead to adverse health outcomes.
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Xylazine
Xylazine is a sedative and pain reliever that is approved by the FDA for use in animals, but it is not safe for humans. However, it has been found more frequently in illegal drugs, often mixed with fentanyl. When combined with heroin or fentanyl, it may be referred to as "tranq" or "tranq dope."
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Xylazine What to Know click to download
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