Evidence-Based Practices for Substance Use Disorder Testing
Virtually all studies examining the frequency of drug and alcohol testing have been conducted in criminal justice settings, including probation, parole, drug courts and DUI courts. Results reveal that greater frequency of testing is correlated with significantly better outcomes in terms of higher program completion rates and lower illicit substance use and criminal recidivism. [Learn More]
Drug Trends — Marijuana
Officer Jermaine Galloway, better known as "The Tall Cop," will be an ongoing featured contributor to the Averhealth Digest on drug trends —providing you with highlights of street drug trends your clients may be using. If you are testing for the same drugs day after day, you are probably missing the drugs being used! Learn how to stay current on the most recent drug trends and how your drug testing program plays an integral role in your clients' recovery process. This month, Officer Galloway discusses the most common "classifications" of marijuana: indica, stavia, and hybrid.
As cannabis dispensaries continue to open in various states, we see more & more products (not always so common) coming out of these locations. Each type of cannabis product, also known as a strain, has a different euphoria or “high”. There are many strain names which are very well known to frequent cannabis users. Some of these strain names fall under various THC products and others, under CBD products. Various strain names can sometimes include the words “Kush” or something starting or ending with the term “Diesel”. As the strains become more commercialized, we can also observe them on t-shirts, billboards, and other cannabis products.
First, there are three different “classifications” of most marijuana products. These are known as Indica, Sativa and Hybrid. Many dispensaries will also refer to these as “strains”. To put it simply, a strain name such as “Kush” will fall under one of the three classifications. The many forms include leafy/ traditional marijuana buds, edible products like snacks, candy, drinks and other foods, vape cartridges (generally 1/2 to 1 gram in size), and finally concentrates, also known as dabs, wax, butter and oil.
To better understand each strain, please read below:
Indica
According to those who purchase and use this strain, they feel that Indica provides them a body high, couch locked / sleepy, depressant-like effect, a more relaxing & heavier high. It is also said that this strain reduces anxiety.
Sativa
According to those who purchase and seek the Sativa strain, they feel more of a head high, providing more energy, an increase in creativity, similar to a hallucinogen. It is also called the daytime strain.
Hybrid
Finally, there is the Hybrid strain which I refer to as “a bowl of soup”. This strain is a combination of Indica and Sativa. Hybrids usually lean towards either Indica or Sativa, but they do contain both strains.
In conclusion, remember these designations are made by those who sell and use these three different strains. These forms of cannabis are commonly marketed under these strains. You will see a lot of differing options through online searches or even drug user reports. Also, some believe that many of todays marijuana products are Hybrids simply because many of the plants undergo crossbreeding during production.
Trainer Info
Tall Cop Says Stop is a national & international trainer who has trained over 500,000 people. Learn more: www.tallcopsaysstop.com
Industry News
Substance use disorder impacts a whole family
Have you ever been on the phone, and your heart sinks from the news you hear? I recently spoke with a mother on the phone whose 25-year-old son had relapsed; he just tested “hot” for opioids. The more I listened, the more my heart grew heavy for her and her situation. She is beside herself. He is being admitted into a drug treatment center for his substance use disorder. [Learn More]
Look beyond opioids to solve national substance use epidemic
A new study, published by Oregon Health & Science University, reveals that three-quarters of participants in an inpatient addiction intervention program came into the hospital using more than one substance. The findings suggests that a singular focus on opioids may do more harm than good if doctors overlook the complexity of each individual's actual substance use.[Learn More]
Substance use disorders linked to COVID-19 susceptibility
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that people with substance use disorders (SUDs) are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its complications. The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, was co-authored by Nora D. Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The findings suggest that health care providers should closely monitor patients with SUDs and develop action plans to help shield them from infection and severe outcomes. [Learn More]
For more information about how Averhealth is safely administering drug test during the current COVID-19 pandemic, please click here.
Need a resource?
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) open 24/7
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) open 24/7
