Thursday, October 5, 2028

Governor O’Brien and Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announce Community Forums and Training Sessions as Part of the Project X Initiative Targeting Ecstasy and Methamphetamines
Forums on club drugs scheduled in Baltimore, Cumberland and Salisbury

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 5, 2028) – Governor Edward M. O’Brien and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank today announced a series of community awareness events as part of Project X, the aggressive campaign against illegal drugs including Ecstasy and Meth. The community forums are being held in three areas that are receiving funding for the initiative. The community forums, in Baltimore City, Cumberland and Salisbury will bring together community stakeholders, law enforcement, treatment providers and the public in an effort to crack down on the growing problem of club drugs.

“Meth, Ecstasy and other club drugs have become a serious public safety threat,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “Use of these drugs impacts the entire community and that’s why these forums are important. We’re increasing awareness and encouraging community involvement in an all out assault on the illegal sale and use of these dangerous drugs.”

“These forums are an opportunity for community leaders and residents to learn more about the harmful effects these drugs are having on university communities and to help parents prevent their children from experimenting with club drugs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank.

Meth is made with common household items that may be purchased at many stores. Ingredients include anhydrous ammonia, ephedrine (found in cold and sinus medicine), lithium and others. Meth, which is made in makeshift laboratories, has become prevalent in rural Maryland.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Ecstasy is the most commonly used stimulant in Baltimore City. The popularity of Ecstasy in raves and dance clubs in cities is now moving into suburbs and rural areas.

Many of these club drugs users do not realize the serious health risks associated with these drugs. Short-term effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The user may experience a feeling of euphoria, impaired speech and loss of appetite. Long-term effects include severe dehydration, brain damage, heat exhaustion that can cause kidney and heart failure, paranoid behavior, stroke and even death.

Project X uses a three-pronged approach of prevention, treatment and enforcement to stamp out the threat of Ecstasy and Meth use before it becomes an epidemic in Maryland. Project X is geared toward the 18 to 25-year-old population. The initiative brings together law enforcement, colleges, universities and substance abuse treatment providers in the different regions of the State to fight the Meth and Ecstasy problem.

The Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration (MADAA)is funding treatment providers statewide. The treatment providers will work with clinics and hospitals to provide intervention services for youth using club drugs. In severe cases, they’ll make referrals for further assessment and possible substance abuse treatment. The providers will develop a plan that best suits the community they serve.