Drug Enforcement Administration

New York City: A Major Hub in the U.S. Fentanyl Crisis

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2024

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The fentanyl pipeline begins in China, where the chemicals are produced, and then moves to Mexican cartels for pill and powder production. These are then trafficked into the United States, with New York City, particularly the Bronx, serving as a major distribution hub due to its strategic location along the I-95 corridor.

Summary: In 2023, New York City emerged as a significant epicenter in the United States’ ongoing battle against fentanyl, accounting for a staggering 10% of the nation’s total fentanyl seizures. This alarming statistic was revealed in an exclusive interview with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Agent in Charge, Frank Tarentino. The DEA’s efforts in New York led to the confiscation of over 4 million fake fentanyl pills and more than 500 kilos of fentanyl powder, equivalent to 37 million lethal doses. The city’s strategic location, particularly the Bronx, has made it a prime target for drug cartels using it as a key distribution point for this deadly drug.

The DEA’s Battle Against Fentanyl in New York City

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) faced an unprecedented challenge in New York City in 2023, as the city accounted for a significant portion of the fentanyl seized nationwide. Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting the lethal potency of fentanyl and the DEA’s record-breaking seizures in the city. The DEA confiscated millions of fake fentanyl pills and hundreds of kilos of fentanyl powder, translating to millions of potentially fatal doses.

The crisis has been exacerbated by new, dangerous drug mixtures on the streets, including fentanyl combined with cocaine, meth, heroin, and other substances. These combinations are causing overdoses that are often resistant to traditional antidotes like Narcan. The DEA’s analysis revealed that a majority of the pills tested were lethal.

The impact of this crisis is evident in the staggering number of fentanyl poisoning deaths in New York, with a significant concentration in the city area. The DEA is combating this crisis through enforcement and educational campaigns, focusing on the dangers of fake drugs and their deadly doses. This multifaceted approach aims to address the complex challenges posed by the fentanyl crisis in New York City.

Why It Matters: The fentanyl crisis in New York City is not just a local issue but a national emergency. The city’s role as a major hub in the distribution of this lethal drug highlights the need for coordinated efforts at both the local and federal levels. Understanding the scale and nature of this crisis is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat the spread of fentanyl and save lives.

Potential Implications: The alarming rate of fentanyl seizures in New York City could lead to stricter law enforcement measures and increased surveillance of drug trafficking routes. It may also prompt more aggressive public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to prevent fentanyl abuse. Additionally, this situation could influence policy decisions at the federal level, potentially leading to more robust international cooperation to curb the production and distribution of fentanyl.

Source: CBS News

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Cannabis

RFK Jr. Does Champion Cannabis

Published

3 weeks ago

January 30, 2025

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He is in middle of the process to be the new Health and Human Services Secretary, the good news he aligns with their stance on marijuana.

Robert F Kennedy, Jr has some unique healthcare ideas and it is causing a bit of a stir in Congress. He is being nominated to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency, among other things, is responsible for advancing the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services along with ensuring food and drug safety, and provide health insurance programs. Part of the programs they oversee include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is a massive job with million of lives effected. His approval by the Senate could make a difference in one area, RFK Jr does champion cannabis.

Kennedy has gained the ire of public health officials, the Kennedy family, bipartisan Congressional members and more…but the new administration backs him. When he announced his endorsement of this GOP nominees, the current President embraced him wholeheartedly. He would have influence of the chaos of the rescheduling process. He would also provide home to the thousands of small business in the industry.

Kennedy’s stance on marijuana is multifaceted:

Federal Legalization: He supports the complete federal legalization of marijuana, which would align federal policy with the growing number of states that have already legalized cannabis for recreational use.
Banking Services: Kennedy advocates for opening up traditional banking services to the cannabis industry. This would address the current cash-intensive nature of the business, which he believes encourages crime.
Tax Revenue Allocation: A central aspect of Kennedy’s plan is to implement a federal tax on marijuana sales. He proposes using this revenue specifically to fund drug treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Treatment Centers: Kennedy envisions creating “renewal centers” that would focus on treating mental illness, PTSD, and drug addiction. These centers would also incorporate therapeutic activities like organic farming.
Personal Freedom: While acknowledging his own past struggles with addiction, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of personal freedoms and views the current policy of criminalizing and incarcerating people for drug use as unsustainable.

As the debate around marijuana legalization continues, Kennedy’s stance represents a an updated and science based cannabis policy. It also emphasizes treatment and regulation over criminalization. His position aligns with a growing bipartisan trend towards cannabis legalization, reflecting changing public attitudes and a reevaluation of America’s approach to drug policy

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Cannabis

Will Snoop Dogg Use His New Influence To Help Cannabis

Published

4 weeks ago

January 28, 2025

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Snoop Dog has started hanging with the new administration and performed at the Inauguration…will it help the cannabis industry?

Known for “Drop it like it’s hot”, bffs with Martha Stewart and for being a different type of Rapper, he now is dabbling in politics. But will Snoop Dogg use his new influence to help cannabis. Bucking some is the rapper world, je avoided some aspects of the thug world, he startled and then endeared himself to fans with his deep friendship with style maven Martha Stewart. Popping up with her at Paris Fashion week, he lit up social media with his clothing style. Now, he has startled the public again with his leaning into the new admisntartion and performing at the inauguration.

Snoop Dogg, a cultural icon and cannabis enthusiast, has cemented his role as a leading figure in the cannabis industry through various ventures. He considers himself the Doggfather of the industry. Can his support help an administration which is looking at marijuana in a negative light? Thousands of mom and pop businesses are anxiously awaiting how the president and other leaders will move on helping the industry. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Congress have decisions to make to regularize the industry and allow small business to be profitable. Some of the agency nominees for the DEA, US Attorney General and more have expressed a negative take on the plant. Given the ability, House Speaker Mike Johnson would roll back legalization. Can Snoop help? He has a big stake in the outcome.

Snoop Dogg performing at the Crypto Ball

In 2024, Snoop Dogg launched his first licensed dispensary, S.W.E.D. (Smoke Weed Every Day), in Los Angeles, alongside a cannabis product line honoring his late friend Tupac Shakur. The dispensary integrates elements of Snoop’s hip-hop legacy, including Death Row Records memorabilia and a DJ booth, creating a unique cultural experience for customers1.

Snoop’s cannabis journey began with the launch of “Leafs by Snoop” in Colorado in 2015, one of the first celebrity-endorsed cannabis brands. This venture offered diverse products, from flowers to edibles, reflecting Snoop’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Although Leafs by Snoop is no longer active, Snoop remains deeply involved in the industry through investments and collaborations.

In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records and introduced its cannabis brand, Death Row Cannabis. This brand features premium products like diamond-infused pre-rolls and curated strains crafted by renowned growers. Additionally, Snoop partnered with Atlas Global Brands to distribute cannabis internationally, further expanding his influence beyond the U.S.

With over 80 million social media followers, Snoop Dogg has a public following, but will it help convince the President, the head of the DEA, Stephen Miller and more about the proven benefits of cannabis. The medical industry has been supportive based on research and date for medical marijuana and over 80% of the public believe is should be legal in some form. Can the noted Musican sway a small group to make a big difference in day to day life of average people. Only time will tell.

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Cannabis

Joe Rogan Continues To Champion Cannabis

Published

4 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

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He has a big audience and a huge voice with the administration – so what about Joe Rogan and marijuana?

The marijuana industry is struggling and thousands of mom and pop business are in limbo waiting for the federal government to add clarity to the future of the plant. During this difficult time, Joe Rogan continues to champion cannabis. Rogan, the prominent podcast host of The Joe Rogan Experience, has consistently voiced support for the legalization of cannabis. Recent cabinet and federal appointees are all over the map about the plant, so it is a benefit to have Rogan vocally being supportive.

Known for his candid discussions on controversial topics, Rogan often highlights the benefits of marijuana legalization, both in terms of personal freedoms and societal impact. His advocacy for cannabis reform is rooted in his belief in individual liberty and the potential benefits of marijuana use. He has argued adults should have the right to make their own choices regarding cannabis consumption, emphasizing its relatively low risk compared to substances like alcohol. In various episodes of his podcast, Rogan has pointed out that marijuana can foster creativity, relaxation, and even community bonding. He has also discussed its medicinal potential, particularly for veterans and individuals suffering from mental health conditions such as PTSD.

Rogan’s stance on cannabis legalization has intersected with political discourse. For instance, during the 2024 presidential campaign, he revealed Kamala Harris’s team declined to discuss marijuana legalization during negotiations for a potential podcast appearance. Rogan found this amusing given Harris’s prior public support for cannabis reform but speculated her prosecutorial record on marijuana offenses might have influenced this decision.

This incident underscores Rogan’s commitment to openly discussing cannabis policy, even when it challenges political figures. In addition to his advocacy for legalization, Rogan has debated the topic with guests who hold opposing views. For example, in a discussion with Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Rogan defended recreational cannabis use by comparing it to alcohol, which is federally legal despite its risks. He emphasized cannabis is a safer alternative and criticized stereotypes about marijuana users being unproductive. These debates reflect Rogan’s dedication to fostering nuanced conversations about cannabis policy.

Overall, Joe Rogan’s support for legal cannabis aligns with his broader philosophy of personal freedom and open dialogue. His platform continues to serve as a space for exploring the implications of marijuana legalization, from its social and economic benefits to its challenges. Through his podcast, Rogan has become a prominent voice in the ongoing debate over cannabis reform.

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