Pharmacists are essential partners in preventative health. Statistics show 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy. With their reputation as trusted medication experts working in close proximity to the public, local pharmacists are in a perfect position to provide in-person education for youth, parents, caregivers, and policymakers and share health risks of some of the substances that are labeled as "legal" but often hidden in plain sight right on the shelves at our neighborhood gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.
Although products such as nitrous oxide inhalants, kratom, Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Salvia divinorum may be marketed as "legal" or "natural, it does not mean they are safe. In fact, these substances have been proven to put young people at risk. Studies show that they are associated with dependence, neurologic injury, psychiatric effects, and accidental harm in the youth population. Increased awareness about the very real health risks posed by these widely available products is essential for the health and well-being of our children.
Druggists can also play an important role in monitoring emerging substance-use trends and encouraging safety measures, age restrictions, and proper labeling standards. It takes a village to raise a child and we all share the responsibility for educating ourselves and our children to protect their health and well-being. This week, we will take a closer look at some commonly used substances in the gray zone of legality and safety that are widely accessible to you.
Read more: https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hidden-in-plain-sight-legal-substances-putting-children-at-risk
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