The Canadian Press: Quebec health officials warn of lethal mix of cocaine, anti-parasite drug

<a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h2VjA4z-rmEkwmbBBF10pWKfd13w">The Canadian Press: Quebec health officials warn of lethal mix of cocaine, anti-parasite drug</a>: "warning that cocaine cut with an anti-parasitic medication is hitting the streets in the province and can cause a severe adverse reaction in illicit drug users.<br /> The pharmaceutical levamisole - most commonly used by veterinarians to treat worm infestations-has been cropping up in the U.S. and Canada as a common adulterant to cut cocaine for street level consumption.<br /> Use of the anti-parasitic drug by humans can cause nausea, dizziness and diarrhoea and - with repeated exposure - can lead to a reduced white blood cell count and a suppressed immune system.<br /> The dangerous mix can also cause high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.<br /> Last November, U.S. health authorities launched a health alert about the dangers of the blend after finding some 70 per cent of cocaine tested by drug enforcement authorities in July 2009 was positive for levamisole.<br /> In a Quebec study, the public health institute found the presence of levamisole in eight out of ten blood samples taken from known drug users.<br /> Cases have also cropped up in Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia."

The Canadian Press: Quebec health officials warn of lethal mix of cocaine, anti-parasite drug

The Canadian Press: Quebec health officials warn of lethal mix of cocaine, anti-parasite drug : "warning that cocaine cut with an anti-...

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The Growth of the Heroin Trade in Afghanistan: How Afghanistan and the Golden Crescent Supply the World with Heroin

<a href="http://afghanistan.suite101.com/article.cfm/the-growth-of-the-heroin-trade-in-afghanistan">The Growth of the Heroin Trade in Afghanistan: How Afghanistan and the Golden Crescent Supply the World with Heroin</a>: "Afghanistan has become known in recent years as the heroin capital of the world. The notorious Helmand Province alone produces enough heroin to meet almost half of global demand, and Afghanistan as a whole supplies 92% of the world's opiates. In 2008, it's estimated that 8,200 tonnes of heroin was cultivated and processed in the country, which has a 'farmgate' value of around a billion dollars. This is around double the amount of heroin the country was producing just three years previously."

The Growth of the Heroin Trade in Afghanistan: How Afghanistan and the Golden Crescent Supply the World with Heroin

The Growth of the Heroin Trade in Afghanistan: How Afghanistan and the Golden Crescent Supply the World with Heroin : "Afghanistan has ...

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Bill to legalize medical use of marijuana advances in Senate - baltimoresun.com

<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bal-senate-marijuana-0410,0,3323094.story">Bill to legalize medical use of marijuana advances in Senate - baltimoresun.com</a>: "bill that would legalize medical marijuana.<br /><br />Senators backed a procedural move on Friday that will allow a final vote on the measure.<br /><br />The proposal would allow pharmacies to distribute marijuana to patients who receive authorization from a physician with whom they have had ongoing medical relationships. It would also re-categorize marijuana as a highly regulated pain medication like morphine instead of keeping it in the same category of drugs like heroin.<br /><br />The bill has bipartisan support. An aide to House Speaker Michael Busch says members of a House group studying a similar bill will probably hold it for review during the months before next year's session, meaning the measure is not likely to become law this year."

Bill to legalize medical use of marijuana advances in Senate - baltimoresun.com

Bill to legalize medical use of marijuana advances in Senate - baltimoresun.com : "bill that would legalize medical marijuana. Senators...

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