Drug overdose deaths among the homeless population in Los Angeles rose sharply last year, fueled by the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl. Overall fatalities increased 26 percent, with overdose the leading cause. Among the most commonly used drugs was methamphetamine, but this was often mixed with other substances including fentanyl, which was found in 41 percent of those who died, more than double from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the rate of car crash fatalities grew 18 percent last year despite fewer people on the road due to COVID-19 lockdowns. In addition to speeding and forgoing seat belts, the report found that driving while impaired was also a factor. Data from five trauma centers revealed a higher prevalence of alcohol, marijuana and opioids in crash victims compared with previous years.
And finally, marijuana stocks are rallying now that the Democrats have won control of the Senate, boosting hopes that this will lead to more progressive cannabis legislation—including federal-level legalization. President-elect Biden has called for the decriminalization of drugs and letting states decide on marijuana legalization, but he has stopped short of endorsing nationwide legalization. Currently, 15 states have fully legalized pot while another 16 have decriminalized the drug for non-medical use.