Health Care — Officials alarmed by teen usage of delta-8

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View Online Health Care Health Care The Big Story  Officials alarmed by teen usage of delta-8  A study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that roughly 11 percent of U.S. 12 graders reported using the psychoactive substance delta-8. © AP Delta-8 is a psychoactive substance derived from hemp that is chemically very similar to delta-9-THC, the molecule in marijuana responsible for causing the high associated with taking cannabis.   NIDA Director Nora Volkow warned of the effects that early use of cannabis can have on adolescent development. "Cannabis use in general has been associated with negative impacts on the adolescent brain, so we must pay attention to the kinds of cannabis products teens are using, educate young people about potential risks, and ensure that treatment for cannabis use disorder and adequate mental health care is provided to those who need it," said Volkow.   There is currently no federal minimum age to purchase delta-8 products, making them more easily accessible for minors. The study published Tuesday found that delta-8 use was higher in Southern and Midwestern states without cannabis legalization or regulation.   The Food and Drug Administration has previously warned that delta-8 products have not been evaluated or approved by federal regulators for safe use in any context.   "11% is a lot of people – that's at least one or two students in every average-sized high school class who may be using delta-8. We don't know enough about these drugs, but we see that they are already extremely accessible to teens," Volkow added. Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, I'm Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: California state Democrat introduces ban on artificial dyes in foods served in schools A California legislator introduced a first-of-its-kind bill Tuesday in the state Assembly that would ban seven artificial dyes from foods served in schools, citing health and behavioral risks. Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel's Bill 2316 would bar California schools from purchasing, serving or selling any foods that contain the dyes. Among them are Red 40, which has been tied to hyperactivity in children, and titanium dioxide, …  Full Story Veterans Affairs to expand IVF coverage to same-sex couples, single veterans The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) said it would provide in vitro fertilization (IVF) for same-sex couples and single veterans, extending the benefit to members regardless of marital status. The VA announced the expansion of the benefit Monday. VA Secretary Denis McDonough said the expansion has long been a priority of the department and it is working on having the benefit available imminently nationwide. "Raising a family …  Full Story CDC sending team to Chicago amid measles outbreak The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sending a team to Chicago to help support health officials there after the confirmation of several measles cases. “CDC is sending a team of experts to support the local response to the recent measles cases with arrival expected tomorrow. CDC continues to recommend the safe and effective MMR [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccination as part of the routine immunizations …  Full Story In Other News  Branch out with a different read: U.S. airport nasal swabbing expanding to Chicago and Miami NEW YORK (AP) — The nation’s top public health agency is expanding a program that tests international travelers for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program asks arriving international passengers to volunteer to have their noses swabbed and answer questions about their travel. … Full Story Around the Nation  Local and state headlines on health care: Facing public backlash, some health care companies are abandoning hospital deals (Louisiana Illuminator)  A massive cyberattack has some Arizona health providers reeling. Here's what we know (The Arizona Republic)  Wisconsin health care staffing vacancies remain high as baby boomers retire (Wisconsin Public Radio)  What We're Reading  Health news we've flagged from other outlets: How the anti-vaccine movement pits parental rights against public health (KFF Health News)  Rigid rules at methadone clinics are jeopardizing patients' path to recovery from opioid addiction (Stat)  There's a new prescription pill for postpartum depression. How will coverage work? (KQED)  What Others are Reading  Most read stories on The Hill right now: Buck to retire next week, narrowing House GOP majority Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) will retire from Congress next week, he said Tuesday, a stunning announcement that will narrow the House GOP's razor-thin majority … Read more Special counsel Hur gets hammered by lawmakers: 5 takeaways Special counsel Robert Hur appeared before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, where he defended and explained the findings of his investigation … Read more What People Think  Opinions related to health submitted to The Hill: The only way Biden can address concerns about his mental fitness is to debate Trump Biden's tragic misjudgment: Disabled lives matter   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Health Care page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  1625 K Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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