Hallucinogen-Related Incidents are Rising: Here’s Why
Hallucinogen-Related Incidents are up in California (and Probably in Your State too)
Recent data from California signals an uptick in incidents involving hallucinogens, a trend that demands attention from law enforcement agencies. Between 2016 and 2022, the state experienced a 54% increase in emergency department (ED) visits linked to hallucinogens, escalating from 2,260 to 3,476 cases. This rise is in stark contrast to the 20% decrease in alcohol-related visits and a smaller 15% increase in cannabis-related visits. Hospitalizations followed a similar pattern, with hallucinogen-related admissions climbing by 55% from 2,556 to 3,965 cases.
Hallucinogens vs. Other Substances
For law enforcement, understanding the nature of hallucinogens is crucial. Typically, this category includes substances like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT. These compounds are known for their potent psychoactive effects, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and public safety challenges. While the study categorizes ketamine as a hallucinogen, it's more commonly classified in law enforcement as a dissociative anesthetic, akin to PCP. This distinction is important in operational contexts, as the effects and risks associated with these substance classes can differ significantly.
The Significance of the Increase for Law Enforcement
The substantial rise in hallucinogen-related incidents is not just a health issue but a public safety concern. This increase suggests a growing prevalence of these substances in communities. Law enforcement must adapt to this changing drug landscape, which may involve unique challenges such as dealing with individuals experiencing intense psychoactive effects or managing public safety risks in environments where these substances are used.
Analysis
The increase in hallucinogen use is up because states like Colorado, California and Oregon are legalizing them at a pace I’ve never seen before. The hallucinogen lobby took a page from the marijuana lobby and are using the same tactics that successfully legalized marijuana to legalize all other drugs.
I am now well into my 3rd decade of drug enforcement, with a majority of my career working in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay is ground zero for the hallucinogen movement. I saw a decent amount of hallucinogen use in my career, but nothing like now. What I have noticed, though, is that with legalization comes and increase in recreational use of the drug that was legalized.
We can expect more Hallucinogen trafficking from legal states to states that still prohibit the drugs use. We can also expect more DUI’s and fatalities based on these drugs. I recommend patrol officers get training in DRE or DAR to start spotting drug impairment so you can start cracking down on what will be a significant rise in hallucinogen use across the country.