Most people who are arrested for drug use or possession in Pinellas County wind up in the county jail facing criminal charges.  While incarcerated, they receive no treatment and often recidivize upon release. Pinellas County Commission Kathleen Peters wants that to change. Beginning July 1, Pinellas County will have access to 10 beds for individuals suffering …

Pinellas Opens Up on Treatment Rather Than Jail for Drug Users Read More »

Opioid manufacturer Purdue sought to create a drug to combat the effects of opioid abuse so they could profit from both end of the pharmaceutical spectrum.  In an NPR Newshour piece, it was noted that “The family behind OxyContin raked in billions of dollars as it pushed to keep patients on the powerful painkiller longer …

Big Pharma’s Hypocrisy Read More »

In the wake of the nationwide opioid epidemic, elected officials took measures to curb the ease of access to powerful and addictive drugs.  Florida mandated that healthcare professionals such as doctors and dentists take continuing education courses on the proper prescribing methodology for opioids.  Nearly 25% failed to comply with the law. The Florida Department …

Opioid Training Mandatory for Docs, Dentists. So Why Did 25% Choose Not to Do It? Read More »

Last week the Senate passed sweeping legislation to address the opioid epidemic, which President Trump says he will sign into law. The bill, known as the Substance Use Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act, tackles prevention, treatment, and recovery as well as enforcement. However, the legislation can’t …

Five Docs Charged in Opioid Scandal Read More »

In 2016, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed the use of medical marijuana. Florida voters approved Amendment 2 authorizing the use of marijuana as a medical treatment for people with debilitating medical conditions, with 71 percent voting yes. But lawmakers limited its scope by directing patients who qualify to obtain medical marijuana to …

Florida Medical Marijuana Read More »