Category: Drug Testing News

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New FRA Regulations Expand Drug and Alcohol Testing

What should I expect during a drug test collection?

When you walk into a collection facility, also known as a collection site, our trained and certified collectors follow strict protocol procedures to ensure that donors receive a consistent, high-quality experience.  Collectors are trained to follow a standardized process at every location to help control the integrity of the specimens and drug test results.  Oftentimes these rigorous protocols may take donors by surprise.

As a result, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published 10 helpful steps for collection site security and integrity. It is important that all parties involved have a basic understanding of what to expect during a drug test collection and  what is considered reasonable expectations of what will take place to complete a successful drug test collection.

Listed below are DOT’s top 10 Collection Site Security & Integrity steps of what individuals and employers should expect during a typical collection process.

It is important for employers/individuals to have a basic understanding/walk through of the proper collection steps throughout the specimen collection process to ensure successful completion of the specimen collection and drug testing process.

  1. Pay careful attention to employees throughout the collection process.
  2. Ensure that there is no unauthorized access into the collection areas and  that undetected access (e.g., through a door not in view) is not possible.
  3. Make sure that employees show proper picture ID.
  4. Make sure employees empty pockets; remove outer garments (e.g., coveralls, jacket, coat, and hat); leave briefcases, purses, and bags behind; and wash their hands.
  5. Maintain personal control of the specimen and Custody and Control form (CCF) at all times during the collection.
  6. Secure any water sources or otherwise make them unavailable to employees (e.g., turn off water inlet, tape handles to prevent opening faucets, secure tank lids).
  7. Ensure that the water in the toilet and tank (if applicable) has bluing (coloring) agent in it. Tape or otherwise secure shut any movable toilet tank top or put bluing in the tank.
  8. Ensure that no soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, or other possible adulterants are present.
  9. Inspect the site to ensure that no foreign or unauthorized substances are present.
  10. Secure areas and items (e.g., ledges, trash receptacles, paper towel holders, under-sink areas, ceiling tiles) that appear suitable for concealing contaminants.

These 10 steps apply to all urine drug test collections handled by a collection site and are readily available for reference by both employees(donors), employers and collectors.

Listed Below are some common Drug Test Collections Do’s & Don’ts

 

For more information or to schedule a test please call (800)-221-4291

 

Schedule Drug Tests Online

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As one of the Nation’s leading providers of drug testing, for employers and individuals, Accredited Drug Testing is asked on a daily basis, what type of drug test should I order?  Drug testing for many employers or individual may vary and can include a 5 panel, 5 panel plus expanded opiates, 10 panel, 12 panel, 14 panel and customized tests.  Non DOT regulated employers, have the option of which type of test to use and what method such as urine or hair.

What is the New Federal 5 Panel Drug Test?

As you may be aware, the Department of Transportation(DOT) amended its rule on January 1, 2018 to now include expanded opioids to be tested under 5 panel DOT drug test.  The new DOT Panel consists of:

  • Marijuana metabolites
  • Cocaine metabolites
  • Phencyclidine
  • Opioids** – (codeine, heroin, morphine)
  • Amphetamines -amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA & MDA

** The new DOT Drug Panel also now includes hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. Common names for these drugs include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, and Exalgo®.

What Drugs Are Tested In A 5 Panel?

Prior to this change, the most common drug panel offered was a 5 panel which screened for the following drugs:

  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin)
  • PCP

With the current state of the opioid epidemic here in the United States many employers are amending their drug testing policies to mirror the current DOT drug panel.

These prescription drugs are very common, dangerous and can lead to many safety concerns for your workplace. Have you updated your policy to include these new relevant drugs of abuse?

If opioids have not impacted your workplace as of yet,it’s only a matter of time. Whether you have any employees who must adhere to the DOT’s updated regulations or you are not regulated by DOT, this drug panel update is a sign that it’s time for all employers to update their policies and testing panels to include the most relevant drugs impacting the U.S. today.

What is in a 10 Panel Drug Test?

Opioid Epidemic

A 10-panel drug test is the second most common configuration of a general type of drug testing panel.  Panel drug tests are designed to screen for numerous types of drugs from only one sample, which makes them very efficient, cost effective and ensures that employers don’t have to lose too much time from workers repeatedly giving multiple samples, and the employees themselves do not experience as much of an imposition on their time.

The industry standard 10 panel drug test, includes:

  • AMP-Amphetamines (including MAMP-Methamphetamine, MDMA-Ecstasy);
  • COC-Cocaine:
  • OPI-Opiates (including codeine, morphine and heroin);
  • PCP-Phencyclidine;
  • THC-Marijuana;
  • BZO-Benzodiazepines
  • BAR-Barbiturates;
  • MTD-Methadone;
  • PPX-Propoxyphene; and
  • Meth – Methaqualone.

Accredited Drug Testing offers a 10-panel drug test along with customized panels depending on the professional requirements a company may have.

We offer drug free workplace policy development, amendments to your current policy, customized drug test panels, occupational health testing, Full TPA services and background checks.Schedule Drug Tests OnlineFor more information on your drug free workplace program please call us today at (800)-221-4291

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What to expect when expecting-the effects of alcohol and drug abuse?

Using drugs or drinking alcohol any time in life but especially while pregnant can create several health issues for both the mother and unborn child.

Some examples are an increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage which are just two of the harsher examples of the potential complications faced by pregnant women that may be already struggling with substance abuse.

Regardless of the negative consequences and all the research to substantiate theses harsh facts, many continue to use these harmful substances regardless. Here are some astonishing numbers to illustrate the ongoing issue:

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) from 2012-2013, approximately 10% of pregnant women in the U.S. reported drinking alcohol and, though much of it is done to manage other health conditions, it’s increasingly more common for women to continue using medications while carrying a child.

What are Side Effects of Taking Drugs While Pregnant

Alcohol

No matter how small the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause a negative impact on the mother and unborn child.  According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism any amount of drinking is considered at risk alcohol use throughout pregnancy.

The consumption of alcohol may:

  • Increase your risk of miscarriage and
  • may result in several development issues in your child like fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or
  • Alcohol related birth defects

It is important that society understands that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, however, many pregnant women continue to consume at least some amount alcohol with the belief that a small number of drinks will be safe. This is not the case, in fact, half a million children are exposed to alcohol in utero each year.1

Cigarettes

Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can damage the health of the smoker and damage the brain of a developing fetus.  The chemicals can limit the amount of oxygen being received by the fetus and the impact of nicotine on a developing baby is greater than the impact on the mother. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nicotine concentration is up to 15% higher in the baby’s blood than the mother’s.5

Exposing your unborn child to the tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can also result in many health issues after birth, including:

  • respiratory issues,
  • cerebral palsy,
  • problems with eyesight and
  • possible issues with hearing.

Cocaine

The use of cocaine at any time is harmful but imagine the impact you are having on your unborn child.  Women that use or abuse cocaine oftentimes have poor nutrition and inadequate prenatal care. Oftentimes, cocaine users tend to use the drug in combination with other substances such as alcohol, which makes it more difficult to determine precisely which substance is responsible for the harmful effects on the fetus.5

Heroin

Using heroin while pregnant, will increase the chance of bleeding, especially during your third trimester, as well as preeclampsia (severe high blood pressure).1 This will also place your unborn child at risk for premature birth, dangerously low birth weight, and possibly death. Illicit drug use of any kind, specially heroin will also significantly increase your baby’s risk of developing neonatal abstinence syndrome shortly after birth as well as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly referred to as crib death.

Marijuana

Marijuana can be harmful and should be avoided when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.1,5 Although there is limited data on how marijuana can affect a developing fetus, several studies indicate that using marijuana may be associated with impaired fetal development, rare forms of cancer, premature birth, and low body weight at birth.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Research has shown that  fetal MDMA exposure during the first trimester may lead to long-term memory problems and impaired learning along with movement and coordination problems in the child.5 There have also been cases where babies exposed to MDMA while in utero developed cardiovascular anomalies and musculoskeletal problems.

Methamphetamines (Meth)

If a fetus is exposed to meth, this can results in long term health issues which may include, increased depression, anxiety, and social isolation have been reported in children exposed to meth in the womb.5 Some studies also suggest that meth use during pregnancy may be associated with congenital abnormalities, such as gastroschisis—a structural defect that can result in a baby being born with their intestines outside of the abdominal wall.

Painkillers

Expectant mothers should be cautious when taking these medication during pregnancy, even if these medications were prescribed by your physician. Opioids are commonly  refereed to as painkillers can be harmful to your developing fetus. A fetus exposed to Opioid painkillers may be linked to excessive fluid in your baby’s brain, abdominal wall defects, glaucoma, and congenital heart defects.

Since many painkillers are chemically similar to heroin, the mother and child can experience many of the same risks. Children may be born with NAS, experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms after birth

For more information call us today at (800)-224-4291 or to click the blue button below schedule a Drug or Alcohol Test Today!

Schedule Drug Tests Online

References:

  1. Forray, A. (2016). Substance use during pregnancy. F1000Research, 5(F1000 Faculty Rev), 887.
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Medications and Pregnancy: Treating for Two.
  4. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2013). Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy.
  5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Substance Use in Women.
  6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.
  7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). DrugFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.
  8. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.

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What happens if my drug test result is a negative dilute?

When your drug test result comes back as negative dilute, your employer may ask you to go in for another drug in accordance with their Drug Free Workplace Policy.   This will certainly be inconvenient for you.

How do I avoid a Negative Dilute Drug Test Result?

Essentially, when your urine specimen result for a drug test comes back as dilute, you have consumed too much water in advance of the test.  Individuals should be cautious not to over consume fluids prior to a drug test.  In general, an extra glass of water is about all you need.  Drinking too much fluids will more than likely end up with a dilute specimen result.

A positive dilute drug test result is always classified as a positive result.   However, when an individual has a negative dilute drug test result, many employers will require you to go back for another drug test typically within 24 hours of receiving the negative dilute result.

How is Dilution Caused?

Dilution is caused by adding fluid to the sample also known as adulteration or by drinking large amounts of fluids which may dilute the specimen.  Adding fluids to your specimen to influence the results of the test and generally is an indicator that an individual is trying to cheat the drug test.

What makes a specimen dilute?

A dilute specimen is defined as a urine specimen that has a creatine level of greater than 5 mg/dl or less than 20 g/dl and a specific gravity is less than 1.0010 (or greater than 1.0200).

These 2 integrity variable tests are routinely performed on every urine sample that is analyzed at one of our SAMHSA Certified Labs. If a specimen meets the above 2 criteria, the lab will report the result as a “Dilute specimen”. When a urine sample is reported as “Dilute” it is possible that drugs in their system may not be detected.

Don’t be alarmed if your employer informs you that your drug test result is a negative dilute result.  A negative dilute result should never be a reason for you to be terminated or not get the job.  If this does happen, call an attorney.  Individuals should never be fired because they consume a lot of water, but you do need to be able to produce normal human urine with the appropriate creatinine and specific gravity levels.  Failure to provide a valid sample many times may cause suspicion.

If you attempt to adulterate your specimen by adding fluids to your urine specimen, this should never be done and could be grounds for termination of employment or perhaps not getting the job.

In most cases, it is best if you go for the drug test first thing in the morning.  Drinking some coffee and a glass of water should suffice and try and remember to not overconsume water or other fluids.

How Can I Avoid A Dilute Specimen Result?

Follow these simple guidelines as a participant providing a urine sample to avoid a dilute urine specimen result.

  • Avoid all diuretics—including caffeine—the day of the drug test until AFTER the collection is done.
  • Go to the collection site while the first morning urine is still in your bladder to use this as the specimen.
  • If this is NOT possible than you should empty your bladder approximately 2 hours prior to your planned arrival at the collection site.
  • During that time, you should NOT consume more than 24 oz. of fluid and the fluid you do consume should be a substantial fluid—milk, smoothie, tomato juice—and/or you eat a protein high meal or snack—egg, cheese, meat.

By following these guidelines, you will help to avoid dilute and abnormal urine and ensure that the result of your test provides a valid indicator that you are drug free.

 

Dilute Specimen FAQ:

May a DOT regulated employer have a policy of declining to hire applicants who have a negative dilute test result on a pre-employment drug test?

ANSWER:

• The Department’s rules do not require an employer to hire anyone. That decision is an employer’s.

• While §40.197(b) authorizes an employer to obtain one additional test following a negative dilute result (in pre-employment or other testing situations), a negative dilute test result is a valid negative test for DOT’s purposes.

• Because a negative dilute test result is a negative test for DOT program purposes, the employer is authorized to have the applicant begin performing safety-sensitive functions.

• If the employer declines to hire the applicant in this situation, the employer’s decision is based solely on its own policy. The employer cannot claim that its action is required or authorized by DOT rules.

Schedule Drug Tests Online

For more information call us today at 800-221-4291

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A Message From Our President

With the fall leaves changing and colder weather arriving, Accredited Drug Testing and our affiliated companies, Health Screenings USA, American Drug Testing and our newest acquisition Coastal Drug Testing, are appreciative for the tremendous growth we have experienced due to the hard work and dedication of our staff, but most importantly our clients and customers who have chosen us to serve their drug and alcohol testing needs.
As 2018 comes to a close, we are excited about our continued expansion and additional services coming in the new year including, clinical testing, live classroom training, webinars and continuing to meet the needs of small, medium and large employers Nationwide.
In addition, Accredited Drug Testing is pleased to support the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA), a new and very much needed Association representing the Nation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry. I am honored to have been appointed Chairman of the Association’s Governmental Affairs Committee and serve as an industry advisor to the Board of Directors. I encourage all industry partners to join this new and exciting Association.
There is a lot happening in the Nation’s drug testing industry including the opioid epidemic, new DOT testing rates, employer rights, marijuana related legislation and other issues that can affect business owners and testing providers throughout the Nation. Accredited Drug Testing, as always will keep our clients apprised of these important issues.

 

Happy Fall,

 

 

President/CEO

Click here to view our fall Newsletter in its entirety.

 

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Which One is Better For You?

Urine Drug Testing

There are many pros and cons of urine drug testing, however urine drug tests are by far the most common test that dates back to 1966 invented by Germen biochemist Manfred Donike. Urine drug tests are one of the least inexpensive drug tests and you are able to get your results back quickly usually between 3-5 business days. This test is noninvasive and can detect for a variety of different substances.

Some of the most common use of a urine drug test today is for pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post accident and many more. As mentioned, different substances can be detected in urine and at different times. Here is a guide of some of the substances and detection times urine can discover: (This is a guide only)

  • Alcohol: 3-5 days in urine
  • Amphetamines: 1-3 days in urine
  • Barbiturates: 2-4 days in urine
  • Benzodiazepines: 3-6 weeks in urine
  • Cannabis: 7-30 days in urine
  • Cocaine: 3-4 days in urine
  • Codeine: 1 day in urine
  • Heroin: 3-4 days in urine
  • LSD: 1-3 days in urine
  • MDMA (ecstasy): 3-4 days in urine
  • Methamphetamine (crystal meth): 3-6 days in urine
  • Methadone: 3-4 days in urine
  • Morphine: 2-3 days in urine

Despite the pros of urine tests there are some cons. To begin with, urine tests can be easier to alter the results and, in some ways, cheat the test. For example, certain substances can only be detected between 1-5 days, it is feasible to be able to “flush” out the substance(s) from your system.

However, an over consumption of water to flush out the toxins in your body can cause a “Diluted” result on your test that will show up. Along with other ways individuals might try to skew urine test results, some may administer monitored urine tests and randomized tests to obtain the most effective results.

Hair Follicle Test

A hair follicle test or more commonly known as a “Hair drug test” also has some pros and cons. One of the primary advantages of a hair test is that substance(s) can be detected on a larger time scale going back as far as 90 days. This is because the chemical in the drugs gets into the blood stream becoming part of the hair cells as your hair grows. Another advantage of a hair test is that it illuminates essentially all possibilities to cheat. Hair tests are slightly more costly than urine tests, however the results can’t be altered or can’t be “flushed” out of your system. Many people prefer a hair test because the accuracy compared to a urine test is substantially higher.

Although, hair tests have many pros there are a few disadvantages. Hair tests can take up to 7-10 business days to get the results back. Also, in order to do a hair test you must have at least 1.5-inch of hair to be cut off in person and sent to the lab. Due to the rate of hair growth, drugs won’t be able to be detected until 5-7 days after use. The hair follicle is taken from the root of the scalp and a 1.5-inch follicle can date back up to 3 months. Over all a hair test can offer a cheat-proof alternative to a urine test to get the most effective results.

Which test is better for you?

Always keep in mind that all non-negative tests that are sent to the lab go under further review and confirmation tests are done before given a confirmed result. The end result is given by the MRO (Medical Review Officer) who evaluates drug test results and confirms what the final result is. If you are looking for a faster result and want to detect drugs in a short time period, a urine test might be better for you. However, always keep in mind of all the possibilities someone can alter the results in a urine test. If you are looking for more accurate results that can detect drugs dating back months at a time and are able to provide a hair sample of 1.5-inch, a hair follicle test is better for you.

If you need a urine test or hair follicle test for any reason occupation, personal, medical or legal, we can provide that for you nationwide! If you want more information or would like to schedule a Urine test click here or if you would like more information or would like to schedule on a Hair Drug Test click here.

For more information on drug tests, results or would like to order a test over the phone give me a call today at (800) 221-4291 or email us at  info@accrediteddrugtesting.net.

“Need a test, choose the best”

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March Newsletter

In This Month’s Issue

  • -Legal Brief
  • -DOT Corner
  • -DATIA News
  • -Did You Know?
  • -Our Team

Legal Brief
U.S Supreme Court Still Debating On Colorado Marijuana Case
Earlier this month the Supreme Court decided to continue to debating on the lawsuit brought against Colorado concerning the legalization of marijuana. The case brought to the Supreme Court by neighboring states Nebraska and Oklahoma, is on how Colorado’s legislation impermissibly conflicts with federal law and creates burdens for them by increasing the amount of pot coming across their borders.

The case has been pending for more than a year, and the courts will continue to host private meetings on the matter.

DOT Corner
New Training Requirements for Bus and Truck Drivers Proposed. The Obama Administration has proposed new standards this month for commercial truck and bus drivers.  The proposal sets new rules for obtaining a Class A and B CDL.

To obtain a Class A CDL, which is required to drive a tractor-trailer type vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more, a driver would have to complete 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training with and instructional program that meets FMCSA standards. Of the 30 hours, 10 must be on a practice driving range.

For a Class B CDL, which is required to operate a heavy straight trucks like a dump truck or box truck, and a school bus, city transit bus or motor coach, drivers would have to log a minimum of 15 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Of the 15 hours, seven hours would have to be on a practice driving range.

The new rules would apply to first-time CDL applications, current CDL holders that want to upgrade their license and previously disqualified drivers now looking to re-acquire a CDL license.
DATIA News
Lawmaker calls for drug testing Legislative members after welfare drug testing bill passed
A McDowell County lawmaker is calling for the implementation of a random drug testing program for members of the West Virginia Legislature. Read More

DATIA 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition
In April 2016, a three-day event will be held that is expected to be the single largest gathering of professionals involved in drug and alcohol testing ever assembled. Read More

President/CEO Nominated For Board of Directors
Please join us and congratulating our President/CEO Mr. James Greer on being nominated to the Board of Directors of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA). DATIA was founded in 1995 and has grown to represent over 1500 member companies, and expanded its scope. DATIA now represents the entire spectrum of drug and alcohol service providers including collection sites, laboratories, consortiums/TPAs, MROs, and testing equipment manufacturers.
Did You Know?

Making Your Workplace a Certified Drug Free Work Place Is Easier Than You Think. Workers that abuse drugs and alcohol on or off the job endanger not only themselves, but those around them. Make sure your employees know what your company’s drug and alcohol policy is. Accredited Drug Testing Inc. can help make your work place a drug free workplace. Read More

Our Team

Our Team Is Growing! Please join us in welcoming Andrew, Adrian, and Adam to our team!

Andrew, our new Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant, comes to us from Washington D.C. He graduated from Frostburg State University with a degree in legal studies. Andrew has spent the past few years working on the Hill for various Congressman and public affairs firms.

Adrian, our new Customer Service Specialist, hails from Miami, Florida. Adrian is an Air Force Veteran. Adrian will assist in responding to inquiries on drug and alcohol screenings.

Adam, our new Customer Service Specialist, is originally from Queens, New York. Adam will assist in scheduling drug and alcohol screenings, and with implementing Drug Free Workplace policies.
Accredited Drug Testing Inc. Monthly Newsletter: March 2016
Edited By:
Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accrediteddrugtesting.net
(800) 221-4291
www.accrediteddrugtesting.net

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14 Year-old Left Blinded After E-Cigarette Explodes

April 23, 2016

14 Year-old Blinded E-Cigarette Explodes

A 14-year-old has been blinded in one eye and potentially faces permanent damage to his hands after allegedly testing an e-cigarette at a mall kiosk in Brooklyn, New York. The latest in a string of similar incidents, the teenager’s injury may raise questions over the safety of the devices as well as how much they are marketed to youth.

Adolescents who try e-cigarettes may be more than twice as likely to move on to smoking conventional cigarettes as those who have never tried the devices, previous research has found. About 2 million middle and high-school students tried e-cigarettes in 2014, triple the number of teen users in 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last year.

Many U.S. states already ban sales of e-cigarettes to minors, but vendors need clear guidelines to follow for preventing underage purchases to make these policies more effective, said Adam Leventhal, director of the University of Southern California Health, Emotion and Addiction Laboratory in Los Angeles.

“In addition to the health hazards of vaping nicotine, other forms of nicotine ingestion like swallowing can be deadly,” Leventhal said. “The high concentration of nicotine in some e-liquids if swallowed or absorbed into the body through other means is toxic, especially for infants and toddlers, who may be the siblings of older children who might be purchasing e-liquids and not aware of such hazards.”

Leor Domatov said he was trying out an e-cigarette at the Plaza Vapes kiosk in Brooklyn’s Kings Plaza Mall when it exploded in his hands and face. Domatov, who is only 14, wouldn’t have legally been able to buy one of the products because state and local law forbids the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Domatov’s father hired Marc Freund, a partner at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus and Moverman, to reportedly sue the kiosk owner and mall.

Employees at the kiosk reportedly distribute promotional cards advertising the company’s Instagram account and packaging that resemble popular breakfast cereals. The employee who allowed Domatov to test the e-cigarette had only been on her second day at the job.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the entire United States, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information, contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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Orlando to Consider Decriminalizing Small Amounts of Marijuana

April 18, 2016

Orlando Decriminalizing MarijuanaOrlando Mayor Buddy Dyer discussed a possible new civil citation process for misdemeanor violations that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Dyer, along with Orlando Police Chief John Mina and Organize Now, talked about the issue at a news conference at City Hall.

The process, which also will be discussed at a City Council meeting Monday afternoon, would decriminalize possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, allowing officers to issue citations, rather than make arrests. Under the new proposal, anyone found with 20 grams of the drug or less would not be arrested if it was a first offense. Instead, they would only get a ticket, starting at $50. Fines would increase, and a possible court hearing would be mandated, for repeat offenders. The city of Tampa and Volusia County both approved similar ordinances last month.

Supporters say it would give a lot of people a second chance and prevent them from ending up with a criminal record. Currently the charge for cannabis possession is a criminal offense and can result in jail time of up to a year.

“The third option is not as harsh as an arrest, which can result in jail time and the possibility of lifelong criminal record, but it still holds the offender responsible for their behavior,” Dyer said.

Of the 43,000 Orange County Jail bookings last year, about 6,700 were related to drug possession and, of those, only a few hundred were for misdemeanor marijuana possession.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the entire United States, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information, contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc

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Synthetic Drugs On the Rise

April 13, 2016

Synthetic DrugsAdolphe Joseph, 34, is serving a 10-year prison sentence for smuggling fentanyl, an opiate 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. But he has not been charged for the nearly three pounds of a synthetic opiate more than 10,000 times as powerful as morphine investigators found in his South Florida home last Fall. Nor will he be, say prosecutors.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to but more potent than morphine. It is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat people with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to opiates. It is a schedule II prescription drug.

Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opiate receptors, highly concentrated in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. When opiate drugs bind to these receptors, they can drive up dopamine levels in the brain’s reward areas, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation.

W-18 is one of thousands of synthetic opiates that is not scheduled as a controlled substance and thus not subject to criminal drug penalties, and one of a handful of drugs that law enforcement officials and scientists say they have seen in increasing numbers in the last six months, as use, abuse and overdose deaths continues to rise.

U-47700, which is seven to eight times stronger than morphine, has been the source of overdoses over the past year in at least 10 states since the first US incident was discovered in Knoxville, Tennessee, in June 2015.

Barry Logan, the executive director for the Center of Forensic Science and Education, said his lab has been able to track down 17 overdose cases of U-47700. And several other overdose deaths and hospitalizations have been identified by local law enforcement in Florida and northern Texas.

Overdoses on synthetic opioids “may be reported as a heroin overdose death unless the medical examiners dig down deep”, said Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Russ Bare. He said forensics scientists often will not take steps to search for existence of a specific compound unless an individual overdoses near drug paraphernalia, or there is other environmental evidence.

Jim Hall, a prominent South Florida epidemiologist, said the chatter he’s been hearing from experts and law enforcement about U-47700 in the last few weeks reminds him of the beginning of the Flakka epidemic. Flakka caused panic in the Broward County area over the last few years due to high fatal overdose rates and its effects of causing violent hallucinations paired with superhuman strength.

When Broward prosecutor Anita White was charging Joseph, she found that W-18 was too chemically different from any other controlled substance to make a case at all. Since opiates already resemble the brain’s own natural substances in chemical structure, the brain easily assimilates opiate effects within its chemical system. As tolerance levels increase, a dependency cycle takes root leaving the brain unable to regulate chemical processes normally without the drug’s effects.

With drug and alcohol testing centers throughout the entire United States, Accredited Drug Testing is there to answer all of your drug and alcohol testing questions and needs. For more information contact:

Andrew Gormally
Marketing/Industry Relations Assistant
Andrew@accredtiteddrugtesting.com
http://accrediteddrugtesting.net/
(800) 221-4291
Accredited Drug Testing Inc
Health Screening USA Inc