Illinois Churches in Action

03/23/2026

Legalization of recreational ma*****na by many states has made it easier for teens to get access to highly potent and convenient forms of the drug, creating new hazards for teen health.

New research shows that using it as little as once a month or less as a teenager is linked to an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders and doing poorly in school.

The new concerns about the impact of ma*****na on kids’ health is one of the factors driving a crackdown on the use of the drug at schools.

Here’s what the science says about cannabis and teens: 🔗 https://on.wsj.com/4seBQ5W

03/23/2026

There is no proof medicinal cannabis improves several mental health conditions, a huge new Australian-led study has found, suggesting six of the 10 most common causes for prescription are misguided. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4sbkA1d

03/23/2026

Surgeon and author Dr. Raymond Wiggins is pushing back on some of the more popular claims about ma*****na — mainly that it is harmless and doesn’t lead to death.

Multiple new scientific studies expose the disturbing truth of what’s truly happening in the culture surrounding w**d legalization and its impact on people. “There’s a lot of great studies about mental health, including depression and anxiety, paranoia, personality disorders, psychosis..."

“We had tons of studies already that show that ma*****na does kill,” he said. “It doesn’t kill in the same way that opioids do. It generally doesn’t kill directly like opioids, but what it does is it kills through heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, it kills through su***de, through auto accidents, through violence, and much more.”

GET THE FACTS: https://cbn.com/news/world/doctor-sounds-alarm-terrifying-studies-showing-real-impact-ma*****na-use

03/23/2026

03/22/2026

Despite soaring prescriptions and use of medicinal cannabis, a landmark study has found no evidence that it is effective for treating depression, anxiety or PTSD. https://bit.ly/40B6jig

03/22/2026

About 50 illegal gambling machines and a safe full of cash were seized at a south-side property Bexar County deputies previously raided in 2022: https://www.kens5.com/article/news/crime/bexar-couty-gambling-bust-house-east-harding-san-antonio-police-texas/273-bc2913b0-f050-4753-9763-98dfc85d9682?tag1=kensshare

03/20/2026

Nearly $9.3 billion was lost to pokies in New South Wales in 2025, the highest annual loss ever recorded in the state.

Areas with the highest losses included Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Cumberland, Sydney and Blacktown, with regional areas also recording higher losses than previous years.

More details TONIGHT on at 6pm.

03/20/2026

03/20/2026

The rapid expansion of online gambling demands a public health response.

On April 24 in Boston, the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University will host the United States' first gambling-focused international public health symposium putting research and advocacy into action.

This landmark event brings together international independent researchers, public health experts, and US federal and state policymakers to confront the state of online gambling and the urgent need for reform.

I am especially honored to join keynote speaker Professor Charles Livingstone, one of the world’s leading gambling researchers, whose work has helped expose the failure of so-called “responsible gambling” and the urgent need for real reform.

If you care about prevention, treatment, policy, research, or the people and families already living with this harm, I hope you will join us.

Seats are limited. Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/online-gambling-and-the-public-health-movement-an-international-symposium-tickets-1984399886479?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/20/2026

03/20/2026

A new form of gambling is quietly entering American homes—and many families don’t even realize it. Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, ...

03/20/2026

Officials Warn of Rise in Marijuana-Related DUI Cases in Mississippi

The Rankin County Prosecutor’s Office says it has seen an increase in DUI cases involving ma*****na and is reminding drivers that Mississippi’s impaired driving laws apply to drugs as well as alcohol.

With the state’s medical cannabis program now in place, officials say it is important for the public to understand that using ma*****na — even legally — does not make it lawful to drive while impaired.

DUI laws apply to ma*****na and other drugs

Under Mississippi law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug or controlled substance. Officials say some drivers mistakenly believe DUI laws only apply to alcohol or that there must be a specific THC level, similar to the 0.08 blood alcohol concentration standard.

However, Mississippi law does not require a set THC level. A person is considered “under the influence” if a substance affects their normal ability for clarity, judgment, or control while driving.

How impairment is determined

In ma*****na-related DUI cases, impairment is often determined based on the “totality of the circumstances.” Evidence used in these cases may include:
• Driving behavior observed by law enforcement
• Physical indicators such as bloodshot eyes, slowed reactions, or balance issues
• Statements made by the driver
• Field sobriety test results
• The odor or presence of ma*****na
• Toxicology testing, when available

Mississippi courts have ruled that these observations can be used to determine whether a driver was impaired.

Limits of toxicology testing

Officials say toxicology tests, including urinalysis, may confirm that ma*****na was used but do not always indicate when the substance was consumed or whether a driver was impaired at the exact time of driving. Because of this, officer observations and other evidence can play a key role in DUI investigations.

Medical cannabis does not change DUI laws

The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act does not make it legal to drive while impaired. State law clearly states that DUI laws still apply even when ma*****na is used legally for medical purposes if it affects a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

The same principle applies to many prescription medications that can impair driving.

Message to drivers

The Rankin County Prosecutor’s Office warns that driving under the influence of any substance puts everyone on the road at risk.

“If you choose to use ma*****na, whether recreationally in another state or legally through Mississippi’s medical cannabis program, do not drive while under its influence,” officials said.

Rankin County Prosecuting Attorney Trey Spillman added that public safety on Mississippi roadways depends on responsible choices by drivers.