There are new developments in the nationwide opioid litigation: the Justice Department is seeking as much as $18.1 billion from Purdue Pharma, to settle its case against the opioid maker for its alleged role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Justice is pursuing criminal and civil complaints against Purdue concurrently with thousands of states and local communities. They also accuse Purdue and other opioid manufacturers—along with drug distributors and pharmacy chains—of providing kickbacks to doctors to prescribe opioids and falsely marketing prescription painkillers as non-addictive. The Justice Department case could complicate efforts to reach a master settlement of all litigation, with the hope that the money will be directed to expanding access to drug treatment.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is finalizing its long-awaited first ruling on products with CBD, the non-psychoactive component of marijuana that is often falsely sold as a panacea for many diseases. The guidance could cover the science of how much CBD can be safely included in a product, and the claims made by producers, which would help protect consumers and public health.
And finally, the American Heart Association recommends not smoking or vaping any substance—including marijuana—as this has the potential to trigger heart attacks and strokes. The recommendation is based on the examination of existing research on the connection between cannabis and the heart.