December 31, 2011

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A drug year in review, 2011

By Cassie Rodenberg

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This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

March 1 -- Chemicals used in K2 and Spice, smokeable herbal products that elicit a marijuana-like high, are regulated as Schedule 1 drugs by the DEA

April 19 -- Over 5,300 sites join the DEA's second "Take-Back Prescription Drugs" mission, a community effort to collect unwanted, unused or expired prescription medication

June 30 -- Operation "Pill Mill" arrests made for distribution of hundreds of thousands of illegal oxycodone pills

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July 14 -- Nevada police make a record 208-pound seizure of methamphetamine

July 20 -- Over 13,000 marijuana plants seized in Southern Utah

July 23 -- Amy Winehouse dies from alcohol overdose

October 21 -- MDPV and mephedrone (common components of 'bath salts' stimulant) classified as a Schedule 1 Drug

November 30 -- Officials discover a major U.S.-Mexico smuggling tunnel in San Diego and seize a record 32 tons of marijuana

December 14 -- Alcohol and tobacco use cited at a historic low among teens but levels of marijuana, prescription drug and alternate tobacco products use remain high

December 23 -- 'No refusal' DUI programs now cover 30 states, where police can obtain warrants to take suspected drunk drivers' blood samples if suspects refuse breathalyzer tests

For a more extensive write-up as well as statistics, see Neurobonkers' "2011: The Year in Drugs."

About Cassie Rodenberg

I write, I listen, I research, I tell stories. Mostly just listen. I don't think we listen without judgment enough. I explore marginalized things we like to ignore. Addiction and mental illness is The White Noise behind many lives -- simply what Is. Peripherals: I write on culture, poverty, addiction and mental illness in New York City, recovering from stints as a chemist and interactive TV producer. During the day, I teach science in South Bronx public school.

More by Cassie Rodenberg

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