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We have a new look (and an expanded mission)  

Welcome to M-FILES, a website devoted to providing information and education about controlled substances that can harm you, especially when over-used or abused. Some are legal but most illegal. Nearly all have the potential to be outright dangerous, even deadly. While M-FILES has been in operation for more than a decade, with this new redesign the site has expanded in scope to include more than its initial focus on meth and marijuana. You will notice that much of the information herein is generated from Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, mainly because this is a collaborative effort of NW HIDTA and its partner agencies. Even so, much of the information and linked resources will be relevant and useful to anyone looking for solid information about federal, state and local efforts to counteract one of the greatest social crisises facing America today. Widespread use of illicit drugs and alcohol is a problem that is killing both youth and adults, breaking up families, costing untold billions of dollars for enforcement and treatment, fueling organized crime and is accountable for extensive property damage. Our hope is that visitors to this site will be able to find useful, straightforward information that can assist with making wise choices when considering the use of substances discussed on these pages and beyond. 

Mentioned in the Media

 

 
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Indoor marijuna grow operations consume about 1 percent of U.S. energy production, report says. Would moving grow operations outside in states such as Washington where recreational marijuana is now legal help reduce carbon footprint of cannibas? This CNN Money report takes a look at the issue.
 
 

Partner Report

Drug Overdoses in Washington:
Police officers’ experiences and
the Good Samaritan Overdose Law
(Reprinted from January, 2013 edition of the NW HIDTA Newsletter)

By Dr. Caleb Banta-Green
Approximately two people a day die from a drug overdose in Washington State. Law enforcement routinely encounters drug overdose situations.  For instance in 2011, 64 percent of Seattle Police Department patrol officers reported being at the scene of an opioid overdose in the past year (either heroin or prescription pain relievers). Opioid overdose (heroin or prescription-type e.g. OxyContin or Vicodin) is well-suited to intervention because death typically does not occur immediately and can take hours, allowing time for resuscitation. Many episodes are witnessed by others, making timely lifesaving possible.
In too many cases, however, help comes too late. Sometimes response may be delayed because witnesses do not recognize opioid overdose symptoms as life-threatening or fear legal consequences of calling 9-1-1. Rural users may be isolated from effective emergency response, as may those in tribal areas and impoverished urban neighborhoods.
(Continued on Drug Overdoes in Washington)

News from ONDCP


Video Feature                                                                                                                                                            
              

Marijuana: How much is too much to drive?

Seattle's KIRO-TV recently asked volunteers to smoke marijuana then drive on a test course under careful supervision. The results can be seen in this video below. You can read more about this first-of-its kind test on the KIRO-TV website.