Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
Cocaine use on the rise in Canada
According to a new Statistics Canada report released in November, more Canadians are using stimulants such as cocaine, which may be contributing to a high percentage of drug-related deaths. The report was based on data from the Canadian Wastewater Survey, which has...
Supporters rally for arrested Vancouver drug activists
Earlier in November, over 400 safe supply supporters gathered in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to protest the recent arrests of the founders of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF), Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum. The arrests were made after Vancouver police raided...
A look at the opioid crisis in Thunder Bay
A recent analysis article authored by Christian Paas-Lang and published by CBC News examined the ongoing opioid crisis in Thunder Bay, the Ontario city with the highest per capita opioid-related deaths. While 2023 data has not yet been released, in the Thunder Bay...
P.E.I. continues to fight for safe consumption site
In late September, Charlottetown councillors voted against a potential supervised consumption site location on Park street, near a temporary emergency shelter. Subsequently, in October, the Prince Edward Island government said in an email correspondence with CBC News...
Regina finds dangerous animal tranquilizer in drug supply
The Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre's drug testing site in Regina reported two instances of detecting xylazine in fentanyl samples this past October. Xylazine, a powerful tranquilizer drug used in veterinary medicine to sedate large animals, has been increasingly found...
Canada to legalize medically assisted death for substance abuse
In March 2024, changes to the legislation for medically assisted dying (MAID) will allow individuals suffering solely from a mental illness to access assisted suicide. Currently, individuals suffering from mental illnesses such as depression and personality disorders...
New DEA report shows labs are testing less seized cannabis
According to the findings of a new report released by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, cannabis remains one of the top five most commonly identified drugs in testing analyses. However, it also demonstrated that drug analysis labs have significantly reduced testing of...
San Francisco mayor plans to drug screen those who want houseless services
Earlier in September, Democratic San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced a plan to require individuals receiving welfare to receive mandatory drug screening and treatment programs. This measure is aimed at mitigating San Francisco’s homelessness and toxic overdose...
Michigan ends cannabis testing for most government employees
Earlier in July, the Michigan Civil Service Commission approved the proposed new changes and adopted rule amendments to permit rescinding active sanctions for certain applicants who tested positive for cannabis during drug tests since 2020. The rule change was...