Policy actions for states to take to address polysubstance use
The AMA is increasingly concerned by the growing presence of unregulated, toxic substances in the illicit drug supply. This includes increased use of cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products, kratom, tianeptine, medetomidine and a wide range of psychedelics.
A new AMA issue brief (PDF) provides specific state legislative and regulatory options available for medical society advocacy to address the polysubstance use epidemic. The issue brief identifies six areas:
Take steps to address increasing harms from cannabis and intoxicating hemp-derived products.
Take action on kratom, tianeptine and medetomidine.
Psychedelic and hallucinogen policy should be guided by research and science.
Increase access to naloxone and other evidence-based prevention efforts.
Ensure opioid litigation settlement dollars go to evidence-based efforts.
Include drug checking as an overdose prevention strategy.
