Florida Targets Gas Station Morphine Drugs

 

In the news this week, Florida officials have announced that they are expanding an emergency ban to target new chemical compounds that bypass previous restrictions on a high-potency kratom extract linked to hundreds of deaths across the state. Since 2013, medical examiners have linked at least 587 overdose deaths to 70H and related chemical compound drugs. 

What You Should Know:

*Florida officials are expanding a ban on a dangerous extract from the kratom plant known as 70H to target new copycat formulas.

*The high-potency drug has been linked to hundreds of deaths across the state and was previously found on store shelves placed right next to candy.

*Chemicals covered under the expansion include 7-hydrooxymitragynine, mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, 7-acetoxymitragynine, 9-hydroxycorynantheidine, 10-hydroxycorynantheidine, MGM-15, and MGM-16.

*Violators of Florida's updated emergency rule could face up to 30 years in prison under the strict new guidelines.

The story, covered on June 22, 2026 on FOX 13 Tampa Bay, reported that not quite a year ago, Florida issued an emergency rule rescheduling 70H, the chemical extract from the kratom plant where they remove and high concentrate a product, selling it on the store shelves.

"A product our chemists have analyzed can be 13 times or more potent that morphine," explained Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. "We rescheduled this, making it unlawful to sell this. Gas station morphine, as we called it, was found in 7-11 and in retail stores up and down the state on shelves right next to candy bars and snacks, at the fingertips of children."

While the state was able to shut down many of the dangerous drugs, officials noted that people try to skirt the system and dodge regulations to profit over public safety.

Future Drug Crackdowns - the state will enforce the newly updated rule to ensure any new chemical compounds used to substitute 70H derivatives are completely covered. Officials stated they will continue to fight back against illicit drugs that are smuggled into the country from overseas adversaries. 

Story: https://www.fox13news.com/news/florida-expands-emergency-ban-gas-station-morphine

Daily Marijuana Use May Worsen Pain Over Time

 

As the marijuana industry expands its reach, more individuals may contemplate the use of marijuana as a medicine. Data shows that as many as 35% of primary care patients report medical use of marijuana, most commonly for treatment of pain. This idea has historically been a controversial one due to the lack of extensive evidence and mixed opinions from medical care professionals.

A 2023 study performed by the Dept. of Psychiatry * Behavior Sciences at SUNY Upstate Medical University provided some insight into whether marijuana helps chronic pain by using a cold pressor test (CPT) to measure pain tolerance.

CPT tests are performed by submerging a participant's forearm into a tub of ice water for as long as the patient can tolerate before needed to withdraw or three minutes. Results published in The American Journal on Addictions revealed that study participants who used marijuana daily had significantly decreased pain tolerance when compared to study participants who didn't use marijuana. (Zhang-James, Wyan, Grapsas, & Johnson, 2023). 

Such results suggest that use of daily marijuana may actually worsen chronic pain over time by reducing pain tolerance. Additionally, daily marijuana users may also risk addiction. This is why it is important for primary care providers and patients to research all options and consider overall risks before recommending or using medical marijuana for pain management. 

Summer Days Are Here – Happy June Solstice!

 

Happy Summertime to all of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere!🌞In addition to yesterday being Father's Day, it was also the official first day of summer and the longest day of the year!

Without the Earth's tilt, the amount of daylight would remain nearly constant throughout the year. As the Earth orbits the sun, it spins on a tilted axis fixed at 23.4 degrees.🌎It is this tilt that causes the amount of sunlight that reaches different parts of the Earth to change throughout the year.

In the summer, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun so Earth experiences its longest days. At the summer solstice, the northern hemisphere is tilted almost directly toward the Sun and the Sun appears exactly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. 

Here are some interesting facts & folklore from The Farmer's Almanac:

What is the Summer Solstice? - in the northern hemisphere, the solstice occurs when the Sun travels along its highest and northernmost points in the sky. This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe. In contrast for those living in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky marking the start of winter.

Does the Solstice Always Occur on the Same Date? - the June Solstice is not based on a specific calendar date or time. It depends on when the Sun actually reaches its northernmost point. The date may shift between June 20-21-22.

Is it the Longest Day of the Year? - yes, the Summer Solstice is the day with the longest period of sunlight. The Sun is at its highest point in the sky and it takes longer for it to rise and set. When you are outside, notice how the Sun appears highest in the sky. Its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer.

During the summer months, the warm weather, increased sunlight, and extra time spent outdoors come together to have a powerful impact on both our physical and mental well-being. Some of the positive effects of summer include increased Vitamin D levels, lower stress, being more physically active, and making healthier food choices adding more fruits and veggies.

Let's all try to carry these healthy summer habits of walking more, eating fresh food, and taking time to rest into the remainder of the year. We might find ourselves feeling healthier year-round.🙌

Celebrate All of The Dads In Our Lives This Father’s Day

 

Dads and Father Figures in our lives deserve to be celebrated on Father's Day and every day because they make the world a better place! This weekend we take time to celebrate the men who are our fathers and father figures - among them biological fathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, grandfathers , uncles, coaches, teachers, pastors, and even Moms who often step in to help fill that important role as well.

In the U.S., Father's Day is usually observed on the third Sunday of June each year and the weekend is often full of celebrations as families treat their fathers to special lunches, cookouts, gifts, and trips.

Fathers help to shape our confidence, build trust, encourage healthy choices, and make strong family connections. 👪

InnerAct Alliance wishes a Happy Father's Day to all of the incredible men in our lives and throughout our community who play a vital role in guiding and shaping the lives of children to help them grow up happy, healthy - and most of all - loved! 💙

Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom

 

Juneteenth honors African Americans who helped to build this great nation. This year marks the 161st anniversary of the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free - it is the oldest celebration to mark the final end of slavery.

After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued to free American slaves in the Confederate states in 1863, it took a while for slaves in isolated areas to hear the news. Some slave owners intentionally kept word from those they had enslaved so they would not flee. But, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas to deliver the message that the war was over so all slaves would know of their freedom.

The Juneteenth National Independence Act establishing June 19 as a federal holiday was signed in 2021. The day's celebrations often included prayer and religious serves, educational events, family gatherings, and events with food, music, and dancing. It is a reminder of the long fight for freedom and the work we must continue to do to build a better future with liberty and justice for all.

Thanks to our friends at LAL Today, here are a few of the Juneteeth festivities in Polk County:

Juneteenth Comedy Show | Friday, June 19 | 9 p.m. | Stage Room | $15 | Head to this underground venue for a hilarious show hosted by Lakeland Comedy.

Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 20 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Winter Haven Recreation & Cultural Center | Free+ | This community center just opened in the spring, and it's the new home of this annual event featuring live music and a vendor market.

Juneteenth Freedom Festival | Saturday, June 27 | 1-6 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | Free+ | Don't miss entertainment and historical exhibits at Lakeland's biggest festival.

Social Media Can Normalize Substance Use

 

Rounding out the list of common trends to be aware of, parents and caregivers must also be vigilant about Social Media. Data from the CDC has found that 77% of U.S. high school students reported using social media at least several times a day.

A 2026 JAMA Network Open Study found that adolescent exposure to e-cigarette or cannabis posts on social media was associated with e-cigarette, cannabis, or dual use among youth. 📲Teens may come across videos, memes, influencers, or peer content that make vaping, THC product use, or other  substances look normal, funny, harmless, or trendy.

That does not mean that every teen who sees this content will use substances. But, it does mean that parents should ask their children what they are seeing online and help them learn to think critically about what is being promoted. 🤔

Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Tunnel Found Connecting U.S. & Mexico

 

According to a CBS News Report, federal law enforcement officials have recently uncovered a sophisticated 2,000-foot-long cross-border drug smuggling tunnel between border cities in Mexico and California. The tunnel is complete with electricity, reinforced walls, ventilation, and a rail system. 

A multi-month Homeland Security investigation  that led to the discovery of the tunnel also culminated in the seizure of more than one ton (2,250 pounds) of cocaine, valued at $45 million, and the arrest of four suspects linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force began investigating a warehouse location for a supposed-discount store called Buy 4 Less, located near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego across the Tijuana, Mexico border in December 2025. Surveillance of activity did not appear to be consistent with that of a normal retail store. Employees were seen taking empty suitcases across the border by car, even sometimes by hand. Federal agents planned to move in on the operation in late May, at which time three large vehicles were pulled over found loaded with large packages containing cocaine.

The DOJ was further granted a warrant to investigate the warehouse/store location where agents found the exit of the tunnel concealed under the floor of a storage room. The tunnel was as much as 55 feet deep and extended just over 1,000 feet to the U.S. - Mexico border. The tunnel continued on the Mexico side of the border for another more than 800 feet.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-smuggling-tunnel-us-mexico-video/