MPI NEWS
News
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Authorities Thursday announced they raided and shut down six illegal marijuana dispensaries and three residences spread throughout Lakeside, unincorporated El Cajon and San Diego.The enforcement operation was carried out around 9 p.m. Wednesday as part of an ongoing, multi-month investigation conducted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and San Diego police, with assistance from the county District Attorney's Office.
A 76-year-old woman who died on May 24 is the first local fatality of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI), the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today. Three other EVALI cases in young adults were confirmed in recent weeks and they are the first reports of the lung illness in San Diego County since 2019.
Colorado continues to see cannabis involved traffic crashes that result in serious consequences. Ongoing education and outreach campaigns in recent years have successfully raised awareness that driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, but studies show behavior is not changing, and motorists are continuing to drive after consuming cannabis.
This study provides the first general population evidence suggesting that the use of high-potency cannabis is associated with mental health and addiction. Limiting the availability of high-potency cannabis may be associated with a reduction in the number of individuals who develop cannabis use disorders, the prevention of cannabis use from escalating to a regular behavior, and a reduction in the risk of mental health disorders.
During our Pacific Southwest Listening Sessions for Prevention Practitioners on doing prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, a concern that was frequently raised was about local and state marijuana policies and regulations shifting to accommodate businesses during COVID-19 restrictions without public health considerations. Some of the questions raised during these sessions included concerns about the increased availability of marijuana in the COVID-19 environment. Others expressed concern about marijuana dispensaries being deemed essential businesses by state leaders. Many were concerned that these new practices will contribute to increased substance misuse and continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
To respond to these concerns, we are holding this important discussion session with experts in this area. If you share these concerns, please join us to learn how YOU can be a champion for prevention!