A new study finds that a pilot program to reduce drug overdose fatalities in California prisons has been hugely successful, with the death rate dropping nearly 60 percent over the past two years. The California program—the largest of its kind in the country—provides medicated-assisted treatment (MAT) to prisoners, including addiction withdrawal medications and cognitive therapy. This large-scale experiment with MAT in incarceration facilities adds to a growing body of evidence that such therapy is both safe and effective, and can significantly reduce overdose deaths and hospitalizations in prison settings. In California, officials estimate that up to 65 percent of inmates have a substance abuse problem, but until recently only a small fraction of them receive any kind of treatment services. Before the program began, overdose was the third-leading cause of death for inmates, but that has fallen to eighth in 2020, the lowest ranking in nearly a decade, while at the same time the overdose fatality rate climbed dramatically nationwide to more than 105, 000 annually. Currently, Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking $162.5 million annually to expand the program—money that would be well spent on a program that should be replicated among the general population.
Meanwhile, as statewide marijuana legalization continues across the country, new studies continue to uncover evidence of the negative impact of cannabis—this time, secondhand smoke. Research shows that bystanders may inhale air pollutants from pot smoke at concentrations more than twice federal air quality limits. The study, at UC Berkeley, measured bong smoke in an ordinary household living room where young adults socially smoked marijuana for several hours. The smoke increased background levels of pollution by at least 100-fold and above the air quality levels. Such fine particulate matter can travel deep into the respiratory tract, damaging the lungs and affecting their function.
And finally, while we’re on the subject of pot: with New York about to implement legalization, the classic New York slice (of pizza) is being pushed as the next pot-infused food product.Pizzamakers have been discussing such a savory topping and a few are even experimenting with it, but the state’s cannabis regulatory agency says no decision has yet been made. Advocates say the law doesn’t explicitly mention food, but neither does it prohibit such products. Still, as the law does establish a 21-year old age limit for consumption, it might be tough to keep kids away from a high-inducing slice of pot-laced pepperoni.