Smoking weed to reduce alcohol consumption?
A recent randomized trial has shed light on the potential link between smoking weed and consuming less alcohol. The study, which compared the alcohol intake of participants who smoked different potency levels of cannabis, found that those who smoked the highest potency product drank the least amount of alcohol in the two hours following consumption.
Although the results of the study are intriguing, both the lead author and external experts have advised against viewing the findings as a green light for adopting a “California sober” lifestyle or using weed as a means to curb alcohol consumption. For more insights on the study and the experts’ reservations, check out STAT’s in-depth coverage by Lev Facher.
Testing a SNAP incentive program in Rhode Island
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his MAHA allies have been vocal proponents of implementing restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), such as bans on soda and candy. However, a recent study published in JAMA Network Open examined the effectiveness of an incentive-based approach in Rhode Island.
The study involved providing SNAP recipients with a $0.50 credit for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, with the benefits automatically loaded onto EBT cards. While participants with higher baseline intake levels of fruits and vegetables showed a significant increase in their consumption, those with lower baselines did not experience the same effect. Overall, participants in Rhode Island did not significantly outperform their counterparts in Connecticut in terms of fruit and vegetable intake, indicating room for improvement in program implementation and outreach efforts.
$7 billion settlement in opioid lawsuits
Members of the Sackler family have agreed to pay $7 billion over 15 years to settle thousands of lawsuits related to the harms of opioids. This settlement, approved by a federal bankruptcy court judge, is part of a larger trend of settlements totaling around $50 billion against drugmakers, wholesalers, and pharmacies involved in the opioid crisis. To learn more about where the settlement funds will go and the implications for the Sackler family, delve into the full coverage.
A shift in legal landscape for Covid-era lawsuits
A wave of Covid pandemic-era lawsuits has gained momentum in recent times, with a particular focus on vaccine-related legal actions. Attorney Debra Conrad’s case against her former employer, Rochester Regional, for allegedly failing to report Covid vaccine side effects is emblematic of this trend. As vaccine-injury attorneys strategize new approaches to shape policy, the legal landscape for Covid-era lawsuits is evolving. Discover more about ongoing cases, legal strategies, and their implications in the broader context of healthcare policy.
Engage with this week’s mini crossword puzzle
This week’s mini crossword puzzle features legal terminology. Test your knowledge and skills by playing now!
RFK Jr’s stance on thimerosal raises concerns
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent call to ban the preservative thimerosal in vaccines has sparked debate and concern among infectious disease experts. While it is unlikely that other countries will follow suit, the potential dissemination of doubt and misinformation could impact vaccination rates globally. Explore the implications of Kennedy’s stance on thimerosal, the scientific rationale behind its use, and the broader context of vaccine safety.
Recommended reads
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Novo Nordisk’s innovative telehealth deal with Ozempic, STAT
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Insights on the relationship between breast cancer and birth control, KFF Health News
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First Opinion: A novel program exposing medical students to healthcare system challenges, STAT
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CDC reports measles outbreaks across multiple states, New York Times
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Challenges in accessing doctors for Medicaid beneficiaries, Wall Street Journal
