Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry News
8,000 violations reported since FMCSA Clearinghouse start up
Since the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse has gone into effect on January 6, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has reported detecting and identifying approximately 8,000 substance abuse violations. The Clearinghouse, a...
SK Introduces use of new roadside oral fluid testing device
The Regina Police Service has recently begun using the new roadside SoToxa device to test for cannabis impairment in drivers. According to the police service, two people have tested positive for THC after the new test was implemented on February 10. On...
Education boosts public support for higher alcohol prices
According to the results of a new study carried out by researchers at the University of Toronto and University of Victoria, people who learn that alcohol can cause cancer are significantly more likely to support policies that raise alcohol prices. This research...
GHB, the ‘date rape’ drug: What you need to know
Gammahydroxybutrate, or GHB, is a psychoactive drug used for medical treatment of narcolepsy, and is also known under the names of liquid ecstasy, G, grievous bodily harm, scoop and easy lay. GHB is used recreationally as a party drug, and has earned itself a...
FMCSA Releases Emergency Declaration
On March 13th the FMCSA issued a “National Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles Delivering Relief in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak”. This declaration is the first time that the FMCSA has issued a nation-wide hours-of-service relief to commercial...
Is the opioid crisis becoming a threat for Europe?
A recent article published in the renowned medical journal The Lancet has raised concerns of the opioid crisis potentially facing Europe in the coming years. In the article, the authors discuss the increasing use of opioids in the Netherlands, where opioid medications...
The positives of safe drug sites
In a recent opinion article published in the Calgary Herald, Prof. Benjamin Perrin, discussed the benefits of safe injection sites. Prof. Perrin is a law professor at the University of British Columbia and author of the upcoming book Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in...
Working safely during COVID-19
As global efforts are put into place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus the DATAC wants to make sure that all collectors and TPAs are aware of the appropriate temporary measures to take to ensure the continued safety of all employees and operations. For those...
Higher rate of violent crimes in Calgary’s open-air drug markets
According to a recent report published by CBC news, expected criminal behaviour at crime “hot spots” in Calgary is often associated with violence. So far, Calgary police have identified 15 to 20 such “open-air drug markets” in the city, including one convenience...