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Section 2.  Officers: (amended October 2008)

The Executive Board of the Minnesota State Association of Narcotics Investigators shall consist of seven (7) members as follows:  President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, Treasurer and three board members.  President, Vice President, Executive Secretary and Treasurer will be selected by the Executive Board after the annual elections.  The current Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Statewide Gang and Drug Coordinator may hold a non-voting position on the board.  The past President may serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board at the Executive Boards discretion.   

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MSANI would like to thank the following sponsors for their help with the 2021 conference:

908 Devices

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APF Armory

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FirstNet Built by AT&T

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National Narcotics Officers Association Coalition (NNOAC)

RJ Wagner Marketing Inc

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Thermo Fisher Scientific

DEA fentanyl PSA

Sharp Increase in Fake Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyl and Meth

DEA Warns that International and Domestic Criminal Drug Networks are Flooding the United States with Lethal Counterfeit Pills

September 27, 2021 – The Drug Enforcement Administration warns the American public of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. International and domestic criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills, falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills, and killing unsuspecting Americans. These counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. This alert does not apply to legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by pharmacists.

DEA and its law enforcement partners are seizing deadly fake pills at record rates. More than 9.5 million counterfeit pills were seized so far this year, which is more than the last two years combined. Officials report a dramatic rise in the number of counterfeit pills containing at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered a deadly dose. The number of DEA-seized counterfeit pills with fentanyl has jumped nearly 430 percent since 2019, a staggering increase. DEA laboratory testing further reveals that today, two out of every five pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. Additionally, methamphetamine is increasingly being pressed into counterfeit pills.

Some of the most common counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®). Fake prescription pills are widely accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms – making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including teens and young adults. These counterfeit pills have been seized by DEA in every U.S. state, and in unprecedented quantities. 

Drug traffickers are using fake pills to exploit the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse in the United States, bringing overdose deaths and violence to American communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year more than 93,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, marking the largest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in a year. Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid most commonly found in counterfeit pills, is the primary driver of this alarming increase in overdose deaths. Drug trafficking is also inextricably linked with violence. This year alone, DEA seized more than 2700 firearms in connection with drug trafficking investigations – a 30 percent increase since 2019. DEA remains steadfast in its mission to protect our communities, enforce U.S. drug laws, and bring to justice the foreign and domestic criminals sourcing, producing, and distributing these deadly fake pills.

The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Any pills that do not meet this standard are unsafe and potentially deadly. DEA has launched the public awareness campaign, One Pill Can Kill, to educate the public on dangers of counterfeit pills and how to keep Americans safe. For more information, visit DEA.gov/onepill.

**The Drug Enforcement Administration ensures the safety and health of the American public by fighting against violent criminal drug networks and foreign cartels trafficking in illicit drugs. To accomplish that mission, the Drug Enforcement Administration employs approximately 10,000 men and women throughout the world – Special Agents, diversion investigators, intelligence analysts, and chemists – across 239 domestic offices in 23 U.S. divisions and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.  

https://www.dea.gov/alert/sharp-increase-fake-prescription-pills-containing-fentanyl-and-meth?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

CDC Health advisory

Increases in Availability of Cannabis Products Containing Delta-8 THC and Reported Cases of Adverse Events

Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
September 14, 2021, 10:00 AM ET
CDCHAN-00451

Summary
The purpose of this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory is to alert public health departments, healthcare professionals, first responders, poison control centers, laboratories, and the public to the increased availability of cannabis products containing delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the potential for adverse events due to insufficient labeling of products containing THC and cannabidiol (CBD).
Background
Marijuana, which can also be called weed, pot, or dope, refers to all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., including flower, seeds, and extracts with more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight. Any part of the cannabis plant containing 0.3% or less THC by dry weight is defined as hemp.1 The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, including THC, which is psychoactive (i.e., impairing or mind-altering) and causes a “high”.2 CBD is another active cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that is not psychoactive and does not cause a “high”.
The term THC most often refers to the delta-9 THC isomer, which is the most prominently occurring THC isomer in cannabis. However, THC has several other isomers that occur in the cannabis plant, including delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC exists naturally in the cannabis plant in only small quantities and is estimated to be about 50-75% as psychoactive as delta-9 THC.3,4 CBD can be synthetically converted into delta-8 THC, as well as delta-9 THC and other THC isomers, with a solvent, acid, and heat to produce higher concentrations of delta-8 THC than those found naturally in the cannabis plant.5 This conversion process, used to produce some marketed products, may create harmful by-products that presently are not well-characterized.
Delta-8 THC products are increasingly appearing in both marijuana and hemp marketplaces, some of which operate legally under state, territorial, or tribal laws.6 Most states and territories permit full or restricted hemp marketplaces that sell hemp and hemp-derived CBD products.7 Products sold as concentrated delta-8 THC are also available online. Delta-8 THC products are sometimes marketed as “weed light” or “diet weed.”
The health effects of delta-8 THC have not yet been researched extensively and are not well-understood. However, delta-8 THC is psychoactive and may have similar risks of impairment as delta-9 THC.4 As such, products that contain delta-8 THC but are labeled with only delta-9 THC content rather than with total THC content likely underestimate the psychoactive potential of these products for consumers. In addition, the sale of delta-8 THC products is not limited to regulated marijuana dispensaries in states, territories, or tribal nations where marketplaces operate under law. Rather, delta-8 THC products are sold by a wide range of businesses that sell hemp. As a result, delta-8 THC products may also have the potential to be confused with hemp or CBD products that are not intoxicating. Consumers who use these products may therefore experience unexpected or increased THC intoxication.
A wide variety of delta-8 THC-containing products have entered the marketplace, including, but not limited to, vapes, smokable hemp sprayed with delta-8 THC extract, distillates, tinctures, gummies,
chocolates, and infused beverages. In addition, because testing methods for products like synthetically derived delta-8 THC are still being developed, delta-8 THC products may not be tested systematically for contaminants such as heavy metals, solvents, or pesticides that may have adverse health effects.8
Recent increases in delta-8 THC-involved adverse events
In March 2021, the West Virginia Poison Control Center9 reported two cases of adverse events related to use of delta-8 THC products in adults. In both instances, individuals mistook the products containing delta-8 THC for CBD-like products. These exposures led to symptoms consistent with cannabis intoxication. The Michigan Poison Control Center10 also reported two cases of severe adverse events to delta-8 THC in two children who ingested a parent’s delta-8 THC-infused gummies purchased from a vape shop. Both children experienced deep sedation and slowed breathing with initial increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate and decreased blood pressure. The children were admitted to the intensive care unit for further monitoring and oxygen supplementation.
In 2021, The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) introduced a product code specific to delta-8 THC into its National Poison Data System (NPDS), allowing for the monitoring of delta-8 THC adverse events*. From January 1 to July 31, 2021, 660 delta-8 THC exposures were recorded with the new product code, and one additional case was recoded as a delta-8 THC exposure from October 2020. Eighteen percent of exposures (119 of 661 cases) required hospitalization, and 39% (258 of 661 cases) involved pediatric patients less than 18 years of age.
Syndromic surveillance data from emergency departments participating in the CDC’s National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) show an increase in visits with a mention of delta-8 THC or some variation in the chief complaint text in recent months. More than 4,400 active emergency facilities that represent portions of 49 states and Washington, DC contribute data to NSSP, accounting for approximately 71% of all U.S. non-federal emergency departments. The first suspected visit associated with delta-8 THC in NSSP was observed in September 2020, with three additional visits observed through the end of 2020. Suspected visits have generally increased monthly in 2021 (three suspected visits were observed in January; six in February; 16 in March; 11 in April; 29 in May; 32 in June; and 48 in July 2021). The majority of these visits (73%, 109 of 149 visits) occurred in the Department of Health and Human Services’ Regions 4 and 6, which are composed primarily of Southern states that have not passed state laws to allow non-medical adult cannabis use.11 These numbers are likely an underestimate due to the potential for inaccurate and incomplete information about products used by consumers.
Several factors can influence both the type and severity of cannabis-related adverse events, including the type of cannabinoid ingested, concentration, route of exposure, and the individual characteristics of the person who consumed the cannabinoid such as their age, weight, and sex. Delta-8 THC intoxication can cause adverse effects similar to those observed during delta-9 THC intoxication10,12, and may include—
•Lethargy
•Uncoordinated movements and decreased psychomotor activity
•Slurred speech
•Increased heart rate progressing to slowed heart rate
•Low blood pressure
•Difficulty breathing
•Sedation
•Coma

Summary
The rise in delta-8 THC products in marijuana and hemp marketplaces has increased the availability of psychoactive cannabis products, even in states, territories, and tribal nations where non-medical adult cannabis use is not permitted under law. Variations in product content, manufacturing practices, labeling, and potential misunderstanding of the psychoactive properties of delta-8 THC may lead to unexpected effects among consumers. Adverse event reports involving products that contain delta-8 THC that resulted in consumers’ hospital or emergency department treatment have been described. Increased
reports of adverse events related to delta-8 THC, as well as preliminary reports of the emergence of other similarly produced products derived from cannabis warrant the continued monitoring and tracking of adverse events related to THC.
Recommendations for the Public and Consumers
•Consumers should be aware of possible limitations in the labeling of products containing THC and CBD even from approved marijuana and hemp retailers. Products reporting only delta-9 THC concentration, but not total THC may underestimate the psychoactive potential for consumers.
•Consumers should be aware that products labeled as hemp or CBD may contain delta-8 THC, and that products containing delta-8 THC can result in psychoactive effects. Delta-8 THC products are currently being sold in many states, territories, and tribal nations where non-medical adult cannabis use is not permitted by law. In addition, retailers may sell products outside of regulated dispensaries in states, territories, and tribal nations where cannabis use is permitted by law. This may provide consumers with a false sense of safety, as delta-8 THC products may be labeled as hemp or CBD, which consumers may not associate with psychoactive ingredients.
•Parents who consume edibles and other products that contain THC and CBD should store them safely away from children. Children may mistake some edibles that contain THC and CBD (e.g., fruit-flavored gummies containing delta-8 THC) as candy.
•If consumers experience adverse effects of THC- or CBD-containing products that are an immediate danger to their health, they should call their local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 or seek medical attention at their local emergency room and report the ingredients of ingested products to healthcare providers. Consumers are also encouraged to report adverse events to MedWatch.
•Consumers should be aware that the cannabis marketplace continues to evolve. Other cannabis-derived products of potential concern have emerged recently, such as those containing delta-10 THC and THC-O acetate. More research is needed to understand the health effects of products containing these compounds.
Recommendations for Public Health Departments and Poison Control Centers, including those in locations where laws only permit hemp marketplaces
•Release information to healthcare providers and the public about the psychoactive qualities andthe potential health implications of using products containing delta-8 THC and that productslabeled as hemp or CBD may contain delta-8 THC.
•Poison control centers have a new code available to identify delta-8 THC exposures. For patientsor providers reporting delta-8 THC consumption, poison control centers should use the AmericanAssociation of Poison Control Centers code 310146 or product code 8297130 to indicate delta-8THC exposure and aid in the continued surveillance of these exposures.
•States, territories, and tribal nations that have passed laws allowing non-medical use of adultcannabis or that may allow such use in the future may consider requiring the reporting of totalTHC content, including ingredients like delta-8 THC and other compounds that may besynthetically produced, on product labeling.
•Community-based organizations, such as Drug-Free Communities coalitions, can use informationfrom this report to raise awareness in their communities about the potential negative healtheffects associated with use of delta-8 THC-containing products, as well as the emergence ofother cannabis-derived products of potential concern.
Recommendations for Retailers Selling Cannabis Products
•Retailers selling cannabis products should provide information to consumers about thepsychoactive qualities of delta-8 THC.
•Retailers selling cannabis products should report total THC content on product labeling, includingingredients like delta-8 THC that may be synthetically produced to create a psychoactive effect.
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers
• Healthcare providers should be vigilant in observing patients presenting with THC-like intoxication symptoms who do not report an exposure to marijuana or history of use. Symptomatic patients should be questioned about their use of CBD or delta-8 THC products.
• There is no specific antidote for THC intoxication. Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive care. The ability to detect delta-8 THC with laboratory tests that hospitals use to detect delta-9 THC currently is not fully characterized. Consult with your hospital’s medical toxicologist or local poison control center for toxicology consultations on treatment.

For More Information
• CDC Marijuana homepage: “Marijuana and Public Health”
• FDA Delta-8 THC Consumer Update: “5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol”
• Visit CDC-INFO or call CDC-INFO at 1-800-232-4636
• CDC 24/7 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 770-488-7100

References

1. Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. H.R.2, 115th Cong. (2017-2018).

  1. Rosenberg EC, Tsien RW, Whalley BJ, Devinsky O. Cannabinoids and epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics, 12 (2015), pp. 747-768.
  2. Razdan RK. CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS OF CANNABINOIDS: AN OVERVIEW, Editor(s): STIG AGURELL, WILLIAM L. DEWEY, ROBERT E. WILLETTE, The Cannabinoids: Chemical, Pharmacologic, and Therapeutic Aspects, Academic Press, 1984, Pages 63-78. 4. Hollister LE, Gillespie HK. Delta-8- and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1973 May-Jun;14(3):353-7
  3. Kiselak TD, Koerber R, Verbeck GF. Synthetic route of sourcing of illicit at home cannabidiol (CBD) isomerization to psychoactive cannabinoids using ion mobility-coupled-LC-MS/MS. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 308:110173.
  4. Brightfield Group. What’s the Fate of Delta-8? Consumer, Product, and Regulatory Trends. Published 2021. Accessed August 31, 2021.
  5. National Conference of State Legislatures (2020, April 16). State Industrial Hemp Statutes.
  6. Delta-8-THC, HB 3000, 2021 Oregon State Legislature Regular Session. Testimony of Steven Crowley.
  7. West Virginia Substance Abuse Early Warning Network. Alert #WV003. Reported Cases of Adverse Reactions to Delta-8 THC Products in West Virginia. March 10, 2021.
  8. Michigan Poison Center. Fact Sheet: Emerging Public Health Concern: Delta-8 THC. April 23, 2021.
  9. National Conference of State Legislatures (2021, July 14). State Medical Marijuana Laws. 12. Grotenhermen F. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Clin Pharmacokinet.2003;42(4):327-60.
  • The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) maintains the National Poison Data System (NPDS), which houses de-identified case records of self-reported information collected from callers during exposure management and poison information calls managed by the country’s poison control centers (PCCs). NPDS data do not reflect the entire universe of exposures to a particular substance as additional exposures may go unreported to PCCs; accordingly, NPDS data should not be construed to represent the complete incidence of U.S. exposures to any substance(s). Exposures do not necessarily represent a poisoning or overdose and AAPCC is not able to completely verify the accuracy of every report. Findings based on NPDS data do not necessarily reflect the opinions of AAPCC.
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

Categories of Health Alert Network messages:
Health Alert Requires immediate action or attention, highest level of importance
Health Advisory May not require immediate action; provides important information for a specific incident or situation
Health Update Unlikely to require immediate action; provides updated information regarding an incident or situation
HAN Info Service Does not require immediate action; provides general public health information

This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations

New HHS Data Shows Significant Youth Drug Use Increases in Legalized States

(Alexandria, VA) – Today, state-level data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the most authoritative study on drug use conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), found significant increases in youth marijuana use in several recently legalized marijuana states versus last year. At the same time, mental illness indicators worsened across the country while alcohol, cocaine, and tobacco use dropped, especially among young people. “Once again, marijuana is the stubborn outlier – the only drug significantly going up in several areas across the country and across several different age groups,” said Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration. “Weed normalization and commercialization has consequences, and unfortunately we are being hit hard while for-profit pot companies continue to enrich themselves.” According to the data, adolescents aged 12-17 using marijuana in the past year significantly increased versus last year in the legalized states of Nevada, Oregon, and California. All other legal states showed increases as well, but versus last year they did not reach statistical levels of significance. There were large increases not witnessed in non-legal states: Nevada experienced a 17.4% increase, while Oregon and California witnessed increases of 15.4 percent and 14.5 percent, respectively.

The data additionally show a statistically significant, 25.5 percent increase in past-month use in California among those aged 12-17.

The data also show us that youth use in states that have “legalized” marijuana far outstrips use in states that have not. Past-month marijuana use among young people aged 12-17 in “legal” states is 54.5 percent higher than past-month marijuana use among 12-17-year-olds in “non-legal” states (10% versus 6.47%). Past-year marijuana use among this age group in “legal” states is 41 percent higher than that of 12-17-year-olds in “non-legal” states (17.12% versus 12.14%).

Finally, the data also show that Washington D.C. has catapulted to the top of the list for youth first-time use, closely followed by Vermont. This is concerning given that Vermont’s legislature just recently passed a bill allowing for commercial sales. Maine and Nevada also witnessed statistically significant increases in this metric as well.Versus ten years ago, legal Vermont, DC, and Maine show significant increases in past month adolescent use, while non-legal states levels are flat across the U.S. as a whole. Use among young adults aged 18-25 skyrocketed, especially in legal states. In non-legal Virginia and New York, adolescent past year marijuana use significantly fell, as it did in the non-legal Southern region of the United States.At the same time, mental health indicators, including major depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts, and serious mental illness have worsened.”Today’s data further cements the need to hit pause on the rush to expand the commercialization of marijuana,” said Sabet. “We call on state lawmakers across the nation to halt all efforts to legalize marijuana and we urge Congress to pass a bill to streamline the process for research on the potential health & safety impacts of marijuana. With the year over year increases in use, we cannot afford to continue this misguided approach to drug policy – an approach that puts profits over our youth.”###
About SAM:
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is the nation’s leading nonpartisan, non-profit public health alliance of concerned citizens and professionals who oppose marijuana legalization and support science-backed marijuana policies. SAM and its 30+ state affiliates have successfully prevented marijuana legalization in dozens of state legislatures and at the ballot box.
For more information about marijuana use and its effects, visit www.learnaboutsam.org

BREAKING NEWS: GERMANY’S BUNDESTANG REJECTS MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

A day after New Zealand voters rejected legalization, Germany’s Parliament does too
(Berlin, Germany) – Today, the federal parliament of Germany, led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Union Party, soundly rejected an effort to legalize marijuana. Major marijuana executives in North America had predicted Germany would legalize. Only two countries on earth have instituted marijuana legalization, both by legislation.
“Once again, a robust democracy looking at the science has rejected the legalization of marijuana,” said SAM President Kevin Sabet. “This multi-partisan vote shows how wide and deep opposition to marijuana legalization in Germany really is.”
“We hear so often of Europe’s lax approach to marijuana. But in reality, the policies implemented in several US states are far weaker than any European policies. And, as witnessed today, legalization is often outright rejected.”

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a nonpartisan, non-profit alliance of physicians, policy makers, prevention workers, treatment and recovery professionals, scientists, and other concerned citizens opposed to marijuana legalization who want health and scientific evidence to guide marijuana policies. SAM has affiliates around the world and in virtually every US state.

Media Contact:

Colton Grace(864) 492-6719 Colton@learnaboutsam.org

BREAKING NEWS: House Leadership Cancels Vote on Marijuana Legalization Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2020
(Alexandria, VA) – Today, after weeks of pushback, House Democratic leaders cancelled a vote on the MORE Act, a bill to federally legalize and commercialize marijuana. Dr. Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and a former senior drug policy advisor to the Obama Administration released the following statement in response:
“This is a massive victory for public health, safety, and quite frankly commonsense. Thanks to the actions taken by our thousands of supporters and the many coalition members we have activated nationwide, we have defeated the MORE Act.
“While almost 200,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 and millions more are desperate for aid due to the resulting economic fallout, the fact that marijuana legalization was even on anyone’s mind is inconceivable.
“This bill was a non-starter from the very beginning. It would accomplish nothing more than greatly benefiting an addiction-for-profit industry and make our country less-safe by removing marijuana testing requirements from safety sensitive positions such as truck drivers and airline pilots.
“Furthermore, encouraging marijuana use in disadvantaged communities is a social injustice. In states that have expanded this industry, pot shops are disproportionately located in communities of color and low income. Overall, less than two percent of the marijuana industry is owned by minorities from any community. Those most harmed by previous drug laws are not the ones benefited by commercialization. This bill would only enrich the wealthy, white investors from Big Tobacco, alcohol conglomerates, and Big Pharma.
“Today’s news tells us many things. Creating new addiction-for-profit drug industries is untenable with the electorate during an election year. Once again, we learn that marijuana legalization is not inevitable – despite what well-paid lobbyists are telling us. And finally, SAM and it’s allies have ensured no new marijuana legalization bills have made significant progress for yet another congress.”
About SAM
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) is a nonpartisan, non-profit alliance of physicians, policy makers, prevention workers, treatment and recovery professionals, scientists, and other concerned citizens opposed to marijuana legalization who want health and scientific evidence to guide marijuana policies. SAM has affiliates in more than 30 states.
Media Contact:Colton Grace(864) 492-6719Colton@learnaboutsam.org