Dr. Roneet Lev
Dr. Roneet Lev
238. David King | Executive Director San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, California Marijuana Report
238. David King | Executive Director San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, California Marijuana Report
238. David King | Executive Director San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA, California Marijuana Report
Monday 14th July 2025
Explore HIDTA's 2025 marijuana report with David King. Discover the impact on suicide rates, emergency visits, and efforts to reduce drug harm.
84 minutes
informative
challenging
hopeful
concerned
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Roneet Lev
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
254 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!HIDTA's Impact: Marijuana and Public Safety
Episode Overview
- HIDTA's 2025 report highlights marijuana's impact.
- 43% of suicides under 25 involve THC in San Diego.
- Emergency visits due to marijuana rose 521% from 2008 to 2022.
- High-potency cannabis linked to psychosis and disorder.
- Collaboration between public health and safety is key.
We need to educate the future generations about the harms of drug addiction caused to not only themselves but their family and their society.
In the latest episode of High Truths on Drugs and Addiction, Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with David King, the Executive Director of the San Diego Imperial Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), to discuss the findings of the recently published 2025 Marijuana Impact on California Report. This insightful conversation sheds light on the alarming statistics surrounding marijuana use and its broader implications on public health and safety. HIDTA's report reveals a startling rise in marijuana-related issues.
In San Diego County, THC was a factor in 43% of suicides among individuals aged 25 and under. Furthermore, the state of California witnessed a 521% increase in emergency room visits due to marijuana from 2008 to 2022. These figures underscore the pressing need for effective drug policies and preventive measures. David King, who has been at the helm of the San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA since 2017, brings a wealth of experience from his 28-year career in law enforcement.
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse. One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the growing concern over high-potency cannabis, which has been increasingly linked to psychosis and cannabis use disorder. This trend calls for heightened awareness and education about the potential risks associated with marijuana use, particularly among youth.
The episode also highlights HIDTA's multifaceted approach to combating drug-related issues, which includes intelligence sharing, overdose response systems, and investments in prevention and treatment programs. Dr. Lev and King stress the critical role of public health and safety partnerships in reducing overdose deaths and ensuring the wellbeing of communities. Dr. Roneet Lev, known for her expertise and dedication to addiction medicine, continues to inspire listeners with her commitment to truth and transparency.
Her conversation with David King provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of drug use and enforcement, offering valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public at large. As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded of the importance of ongoing education and advocacy in the fight against drug addiction. By staying informed and engaged, communities can work together to mitigate the detrimental impacts of drug use and build a healthier future.