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Opioids

Analysis Casts Doubt on Weed’s Ability to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Researchers dispute major marijuana lobby talking point

marijuana


Marijuana may not be an effective tool for those struggling with opioid addiction, according to a new analysis. While marijuana advocates have claimed that the drug can help fight the opioid epidemic, an analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal finds the science behind this claim is equivocal at best.

Missouri Sees Sharp Drop in Life Expectancy

Hawley sounds the alarm on economic roots of deaths of despair


Life expectancy in Missouri fell by nearly a year between 2012 and 2018 as the region has grappled with an epidemic of opioid, suicide, and alcohol-related deaths, according to a new report.

‘Deaths of Despair’ Might Not Be About Despair After All

New report captures a century of 'deaths of despair'


Delving into more than 100 years of data, a report released Thursday casts new light on America's ongoing battle with "deaths of despair." The issue has risen to prominence since economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton's groundbreaking work revealed that American middle-aged mortality rates had been rising since the year 2000.

DOJ Busts 35 in Drug Conspiracy

Virginia crew allegedly had enough fentanyl to kill 14 million people


The Department of Justice indicted 35 drug traffickers who collectively participated in a conspiracy to sell tons of highly potent drugs in eastern Virginia.

Mayor Pete Doesn’t Understand ‘Deaths of Despair’

The problem's bigger than mental health


There is, as Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg correctly noted, a surging wave of suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol deaths. These have been collectively labeled "deaths of despair," first in academic literature and then in the popular press.