All articles tagged with #health and policy
In North Carolina, marijuana remains illegal, but hemp products with less than 0.3% THC are legal, though a new federal law set to take effect in 2026 may ban these products due to increased THC limits, threatening the state's multi-billion-dollar hemp industry and raising public safety concerns. The debate involves federal and state regulations, industry impacts, and public health considerations.
Major food companies are lobbying against state regulations on ultraprocessed foods, claiming they will increase grocery prices, while supporting a federal standard to preempt state laws, amid ongoing debates over food safety, health concerns, and affordability.
President Trump signed an executive order to prompt the Department of Justice to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which could ease banking and tax issues for cannabis businesses and potentially influence future medical and recreational use policies, but it does not legalize marijuana federally or allow crossing state lines with it.
The Trump administration is implementing policies to combat obesity by making weight-loss drugs more affordable through negotiated prices and copays, while also proposing bans on soda and candy purchases with SNAP benefits in several states, aiming to reduce 'disease fuel' consumption and promote healthier choices, though critics argue these measures may undermine dignity and autonomy and face practical challenges.
The CDC's vaccine advisory committee is meeting to discuss vaccine recommendations, with potential policy impacts, amid recent changes in committee membership. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to support the job market despite inflation concerns. ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial comments about the Charlie Kirk shooting, amid political backlash. Additionally, telehealth's benefits and limitations are explored, and Bad Bunny leads Latin Grammy nominations, with other cultural updates included.
The article covers various updates on children's health policies, including efforts to restrict junk food in food assistance programs, praise for political support of health initiatives, delays in new dietary guidelines, upcoming educational initiatives on screen time, ongoing FDA efforts to limit food dyes, restructuring of health agencies, and research on fluoride, autism, and vaccine safety, with some controversial viewpoints expressed.
A draft government report suggests it will not recommend strict restrictions on pesticides or ultra-processed foods, signaling a potential victory for the agriculture industry and a setback for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to reduce chemical additives in food, though the final language may still change before publication.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, along with other officials, signed waivers in six states to restrict the purchase of unhealthy foods like soda and candy with SNAP benefits, aiming to promote healthier eating habits and address chronic health issues such as obesity and diabetes, as part of President Trump's initiative to Make America Healthy Again.
State legislatures across the U.S. are proposing and enacting laws to restrict or regulate food dyes and additives, driven by consumer demand and political movements like MAHA, amid debates over scientific evidence and industry impacts, with some states banning certain dyes in schools and others requiring warning labels, while a national standard from the FDA is anticipated.
Texas is overhauling its $100 million anti-abortion program following investigations revealing misuse of funds and lack of oversight, including billing practices and questionable expenditures. New rules require detailed expense documentation and a shift to a cost-reimbursement model to improve transparency and accountability, though critics warn it may increase administrative burdens and risks of overspending.
A study shows that adding anxiety as a qualifying condition significantly increased medical marijuana certifications in Pennsylvania, making it the most common reason for use. The state is also debating marijuana legalization, with bipartisan efforts to establish a regulatory framework, despite political hurdles. Public support remains high, and officials are preparing for potential legalization, citing economic and public health benefits.
The Texas Medical Board is under pressure to clarify the state's strict abortion laws, which currently impose severe penalties on doctors. Despite drafting new rules, many stakeholders, including medical associations and anti-abortion groups, argue that the guidelines remain unclear and could endanger women's health by requiring doctors to delay care. The Texas Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision by the end of June, but for now, the existing abortion bans remain unchanged.
The UK Parliament has approved plans to create a "smoke-free" generation by gradually raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco, with the aim of eradicating smoking among young people by 2040. The legislation also aims to restrict young people's access to vaping. While the ban has received support from health experts and the public, some MPs have criticized it as an attack on personal freedoms. Similar anti-smoking measures have been implemented in countries like New Zealand, Portugal, Mexico, Canada, and India.
San Francisco is grappling with a severe drug crisis, with record-high overdose deaths and widespread public drug use. The city's overdose death rate has more than doubled the national average, partly due to the rise of fentanyl and policy changes such as Prop 47, which reduced drug possession to a misdemeanor. While some advocate for emulating Portugal's successful decriminalization approach, liberal cities like San Francisco have struggled to replicate its results, highlighting the challenges in addressing the city's drug crisis.
The FDA has approved Florida's plan to import prescription drugs from Canada, which is expected to lower medication costs. This marks a significant policy shift in the U.S. and aligns with bipartisan efforts to reduce drug prices. The program, backed by both President Biden and former President Trump, will be authorized for two years, with Florida required to test and relabel the drugs to meet U.S. standards. Canadian health providers have expressed concerns over the feasibility due to their own supply challenges. The pharmaceutical industry warns of potential risks to public health, and legal challenges are anticipated.