Join Together
Join Together, a collaboration of the Boston University School of Public Health and The Partnership at Drugfree.org, delivers substance abuse and addiction news that impacts your work, life and community. Learn more.
Colorado Court Rules Employees Can be Fired for Marijuana Use
An appellate court in Colorado ruled Thursday employees can be fired for testing positive for marijuana. Recreational use of the drug is now legal in the state.
23% of Teens Surveyed Admit to Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
A new survey of teens finds 23 percent admit they have driven under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or marijuana. Almost 20 percent of teens who drink and drive say alcohol improves their driving, while 34 percent say the same about marijuana.
Head of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products Reviewing Risks of Menthol
The new head of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products, Mitch Zeller, has begun to review the risks of menthol in cigarettes, according to Bloomberg. He is also considering whether to increase the FDA’s authority over e-cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products.
Colorado Officials to Consider Marijuana Taxes of Up to 30 Percent
This week Colorado officials will consider a proposal to require marijuana excise and sales taxes of up to 30 percent combined, The New York Times reports.
Bill Would Require Minnesota Legislators to Undergo Drug Tests
An amendment to be introduced this week in Minnesota would require the state’s legislators to undergo drug tests. Originally meant to shame lawmakers who want drug testing for welfare recipients, the bill has caught on with both Democrats and Republicans.
White House Drug Control Plan to Focus on Criminal Justice Reforms and Treatment
The White House will focus on using public health tools to fight addiction, and on criminal justice reforms, in its drug control policy this year, the Associated Press reports.
Government Workers Urged to Join National Prescription Drug “Take-Back” Day
Three federal government agencies are urging employees to dispose of unwanted or expired drugs, as part of National Prescription Drug “Take-Back” Day on Saturday.
Heavy Drinking Throughout College Could Increase Heart Attack Risk, Study Finds
Four years of heavy drinking between the ages of 18 and 25 could permanently increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study suggests.
Colorado Bill Could Lead to Gun Limits for Those with Substance Abuse, Mental Illness
Legislators in Colorado are considering a measure that would create a task force to look at whether gun restrictions should be instituted for people with substance abuse problems or mental illness.
One-Fourth of Teens Have Misused or Abused Prescription Drugs at Least Once: Study
One-fourth of teens have misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime, a 33 percent increase over the last five years, a new study finds. One in eight teens say they have taken Ritalin or Adderall when it was not prescribed for them, according to the study by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife Foundation.
