Legal & Legislative Research

October 30, 2019 | Controlled Substances, Legal & Legislative Research, Opioids

Kratom is an herb derived from a leafy tree that can have similar pharmacological effects to opioids like morphine. The herb is currently the target of an increasingly complicated regulatory scheme but remains largely unregulated in the United States. This FACT SHEET provides a snap shot of both past and current efforts to regulate Kratom as well a map depicting existing state regulations....

October 18, 2019 | Legal & Legislative Research

In August 2019, the RAND Corporation (RAND) published an extensive, 265 page report on fentanyl entitled, The Future of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids (the Report). Considering the importance of the Report, the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association (LAPPA) designed this Fact Sheet to assist policymakers’ understanding of the Report by distilling key aspects into readily digestible paragraphs....

October 16, 2019 | Legal & Legislative Research

Currently, 35 states and the District of Columbia have enacted involuntary commitment laws for those suffering from alcoholism and/or substance use disorders (SUDs). In order to protect an individual’s civil rights, each state ensures that the committed person receives due process by providing the person the right to an attorney during the commitment process....