High on illy: Monitoring an emergent drug problem in Hartford, CT

Abstract

This paper reports findings from a one‐year project designed to monitor emergent drug use and health‐risk patterns in Hartford, CT. Using ethnography, survey, and literature review as primary research methods, the project assessed patterns of drug consumption and associated HIV and other health risks. The project identified “illy,” marijuana soaked in embalming fluid, as an emergent drug threat to public health in Hartford. Features of illy consumption, the experiences of illy users, and health implications are reported. Comparisons of illy use in Hartford and related behavior elsewhere are described. To disseminate project findings, the project maintained contact with local drug treatment, health, and social service workers as well as public health officials, culminating in a series of meetings to share and discuss project findings with providers. Project activities of this sort are presented as examples of the benefits of maintaining community‐based field monitoring of emergent drug‐use and health‐risk patterns.

Key words:

• drug abuse
• marijuana
• embalming fluid
• ethnography
• drug monitoring