Cannabinoids and opioids are two of the most commonly identified substance classes in Wisconsin’s impaired drivers. That said, these two classes of compounds are having profound impacts on our society, with shifting chemical structures and public perceptions.
UW-Madison Assistant Professor Heather Barkholtz gave a Brown Bag presentation for Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene staff about the increasing prevalence of cannabinoids and opioids in society and knowledge gaps surrounding their use. Specifically, Dr. Barkholtz discussed the field of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomers and efforts to better understand risks and protective factors associated with non-fatal overdoses.