Latest news with #Cannabis
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Ex-drug addict from Aberdare apponited sergeant in army
Gareth Jones, 35, from Aberdare spent 10 years of his life addicted to drugs. At the height of his usage, Gareth was 'totally dependent' and abusing drugs daily. Now he's transformed his life and runs a mental health page called Mental Health Wanderer, is part of the military and runs ultramarathons in his spare time. Gareth Jones ex drug addict turned military sergeant (Image: Gareth Jones) Speaking of his journey Gareth said: 'I was a drug user from the age of 14 and for the best part of ten years. 'I started on Cannabis then the addiction grew to taking pills and Cocaine on the weekend the weekend turned into four-day weekends and then I was totally dependent.' Soon drugs had become Gareth's new 'normal.' He told the Argus 'It got to the point where I was dependent on the drugs but still had a life. 'Everyone was clueless as to how bad my addiction was and when I was clean people would think I was on drugs because they'd never seen me clean.' Gareth Jones ex drug addict in his military uniform (Image: Gareth Jones) For Gareth his wakeup call came when he was arrested by the police. He said: 'I got arrested for suspected attempted murder. I was sitting in my nans garden, and the police arrested me. 'I spent 18 hours in the cell and that was the first time I had suicidal thoughts sitting with a microwavable meal and a spork in the cell. 'That was my wakeup call I was petrified of going to prison.' Having hit rock bottom, Gareth was inspired to start anew and in 2015 he joined the military. He said: 'My life flashed before my eyes and then I had this goal and vision to join the military. 'I did end up doing it I went cold turkey buying the drugs and flushing them down the toilet. 'I was smoking weed up until I joined the army and now, I've been on this crazy adventure.' Gareth Jones running an ultramarathon (Image: Gareth Jones) Currently, Gareth is a member of the Army Air Corps, alongside this he manages a mental health Facebook page and service called Mental Health Wanderer. Gareth's account has a following of 20,000 followers. He started Mental Health Wanderer back in 2020 after completing a month-long running challenge in the space of two days. Since then, he's completed large feats including a run from North Wales to Aberdare and The Snowdonia 100 Mile Ultra. On June 4 he received the news he was going to be promoted from corporal to sergeant. Speaking of overcoming addiction Gareth said: 'I run the account to show people who are struggling like I was you can make something of yourselves life isn't just over because you're a drug user. 'I'm grateful to my kids and wife and everyone that's supported me over the last couple of years because without them I couldn't have done this.'
Glasgow Times
02-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Man 'threw box of drugs' out window on East Kilbride expressway
Cops claim that a large cardboard box was apparently thrown from a transit van onto the grass verge of the East Kilbride expressway on May 31 at 5pm. READ NEXT: Graphic footage emerges of Ross Monaghan gangland shooting Officers were in a marked vehicle driving behind the van. The van was stopped and the box was recovered. The box was allegedly found to contain 2.1KG of herbal Cannabis. READ NEXT: Man rushed to hospital after 'causing disturbance' at property The driver was informed that a report will be submitted to the procurator Fiscal for the alleged offence.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
nuEra Cannabis and Balanced Veterans Network Team Up for Memorial Day Fundraiser
Supporting Veterans' Mental Health Through Cannabis Advocacy CHICAGO, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- nuEra Cannabis is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Balanced Veterans Network (BVN) for a Memorial Day weekend fundraiser aimed at supporting veterans' mental health and wellness through cannabis advocacy. Friday, May 23rd \, nuEra donated 5% of all sales from its house brands — including nuEra, Midweek Friday, and Interstate 420 — to BVN. This initiative underscores nuEra's commitment to giving back to those who have served. In addition to the fundraiser, nuEra hosted in-store events at select locations to engage with the community and raise awareness about veterans' issues. These events will feature educational sessions, product promotions, and opportunities for customers to learn more about BVN's nuEra CannabisnuEra Cannabis is an Illinois-born, family-owned and operated Cannabis retailer and wholesaler. As one of the original medical licensees in the state, we have played a significant role in shaping the cannabis industry from its inception. Today, we stand proudly as one of the largest independent, vertically integrated operators in Illinois. The name nuEra highlights the fact that legalization in Illinois didn't just change the laws on the books – it unleashed a whole new era of cannabis: an era in which cannabis is safer, higher quality and available in a greater variety than ever before. For further information, please visit About Balanced Veterans Network (BVN)Balanced Veterans Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a safe space for veterans to connect, heal, and grow. BVN provides education, advocacy, and support for alternative therapies, including cannabis, to combat issues such as PTSD, addiction, and suicide among veterans. Learn more at Stay connected with nuEra on social media:Twitter: @nuEraCannabisFacebook: @ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: CONTACT: For Further Information or Media Inquiries, Contact: Jonah Rapino Director of Marketing nuEra Cannabis media@ in to access your portfolio
The Independent
26-05-2025
- The Independent
Huge spike in Brits trying to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand
Thai officials are cracking down on Cannabis smuggling after a surge in cases involving tourists, particularly British and Indian nationals. Increased airport inspections follow a joint UK- Thailand operation that seized over two tons of Cannabis from air passengers. Since July 2024, over 50 British nationals have been arrested in Thailand for Cannabis smuggling, and postal Cannabis shipments from Thailand to the UK have increased dramatically since decriminalization in 2022. Thailand 's Cannabis decriminalization experiment faces scrutiny due to concerns about accessibility to children and rising addiction rates, with the ruling party considering recriminalization despite coalition partner opposition. New regulations are expected to tighten Cannabis sales, requiring prescriptions for purchase, while officials reiterate the illegality of taking Cannabis out of Thailand without permission.
Otago Daily Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Concerns grow over workplace drug use
Amphetamine and opioid use is a major hazard and Dunedin is not immune to the risks. The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) says findings in its 2024 fourth quarter workplace drug and alcohol report indicate a rise in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared with the same period in 2023. The most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing included THC (Cannabis) at 59.1%, down from 63.8% in Q4 2023. Amphetamine-type substances rose to 24.4% from 18.8% and opioids rose to 12.1% from 11.9%. Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson said working under the influence of amphetamines was a major workplace hazard. "These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect co-ordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. "In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident." Cannabis use in New Zealand has always been high but the rise in opioids was worrying because it suggested the country may be following a global trend. "America has a huge problem with opioid abuse, and they have a lot of deaths." "The opioid abuse brings the safety issues into the workplace as well." Several factors could be driving the increase, including overprescribing painkillers such as Tramadol. "Tramadol is obviously a synthetic opioid that is a very good painkiller, but also affects people's abilities to react in certain situations. "So if you are operating machinery, if you are driving trucks, vehicles, it could affect your ability to do that in a safe manner." Another contributor to the rise was the commercialisation of drugs. "Drugs are very commodified these days, and they follow trends and fashions. "We have seen synthetic opioids like fentanyl, for instance, in the States being put in other drugs to either give the drug user a different high or to give them an addiction so that they keep going back to that drug dealer." A further driver is the growing influence of global gangs. "We know that New Zealand is a popular market for global gangs because we pay more for drugs in New Zealand." Massey University's 2024 New Zealand Drug Trends Survey found one in four frequent drug users reported having used a pharmaceutical non-medically in the past six months. Non-medical use of ADHD medications is highest in Wellington, Otago and Auckland. The survey links ADHD medication misuse to student populations and party drug culture. "Dunedin has a large student population and the geography and population in any area is going to dictate some of the drug taking trends in that area." Companies seeking a drug-safe workplace needed to adopt a robust, current drug and alcohol policy backed with training so everyone understood its purpose. Frank conversations needed to be fostered to focus on getting workers home safely and fair testing programmes needed to run so risks identified could be managed openly and justly, Mr Dobson said.
