Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association
@thelappa.bsky.social
LAPPA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation working in the areas of areas of public safety and health, substance use disorders, and criminal justice.
legislativeanalysis.org
legislativeanalysis.org
President Trump on Monday signed an executive order designating the street drug fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.
www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
Trump designates street fentanyl as WMD, escalating militarization of drug war
Trump has already declared the drug cartels terrorist organizations and ordered military strikes against suspected drug boats. Now he's declaring fentanyl a WMD. Experts on street drugs and fentanyl...
www.npr.org
December 16, 2025 at 3:34 PM
President Trump on Monday signed an executive order designating the street drug fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.
www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
www.npr.org/2025/12/15/n...
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he is requesting the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately designate all synthetic kratom compounds and other dangerous compounds derived from the active ingredient in Kratom as illegal drugs through emergency rule.
governor.ohio.gov/media/news-a...
governor.ohio.gov/media/news-a...
Governor DeWine Updates Request to Board of Pharmacy to Schedule Kratom Compounds as Illegal Drugs
Following a pause to review potential federal action, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he is requesting the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately designate all synthetic kratom compounds...
governor.ohio.gov
December 12, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he is requesting the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to immediately designate all synthetic kratom compounds and other dangerous compounds derived from the active ingredient in Kratom as illegal drugs through emergency rule.
governor.ohio.gov/media/news-a...
governor.ohio.gov/media/news-a...
A new study has found that substance use disorders (SUD) cost the U.S. economy just under $93 billion in 2023 from a combination of missed work, reduced work productivity, and lost household productivity.
www.newsweek.com/us-economy-h...
www.newsweek.com/us-economy-h...
The US economy has a $93 billion substance abuse black hole
A new study by CDC researchers has found that substance use disorders cost the U.S. economy just under $93 billion in 2023.
www.newsweek.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
A new study has found that substance use disorders (SUD) cost the U.S. economy just under $93 billion in 2023 from a combination of missed work, reduced work productivity, and lost household productivity.
www.newsweek.com/us-economy-h...
www.newsweek.com/us-economy-h...
By spring 2026, every Georgia public school will have opioid overdose reversal kits on hand. The initiative is part of a statewide plan, launched this fall, to curb rising overdose cases in schools.
www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news...
www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news...
Georgia to equip every public school with Narcan by spring 2026
By spring 2026, every Georgia public school will have opioid overdose reversal kits on hand.
www.cbsnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
By spring 2026, every Georgia public school will have opioid overdose reversal kits on hand. The initiative is part of a statewide plan, launched this fall, to curb rising overdose cases in schools.
www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news...
www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news...
The DEA has announced the launch of "Fentanyl Free America," a comprehensive enforcement initiative and public awareness campaign aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for fentanyl.
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
www.dea.gov
December 3, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The DEA has announced the launch of "Fentanyl Free America," a comprehensive enforcement initiative and public awareness campaign aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for fentanyl.
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
The newly enacted SUPPORT Act permits APhA and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education to offer pharmacists training that will fulfill the requirements under federal law for prescribing buprenorphine.
www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-R...
www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-R...
APhA Press Releases
APhA is the leading advocate for the pharmacy profession and a driving force in creating opportunities for pharmacists to play a key role in integrated...
www.pharmacist.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:20 PM
The newly enacted SUPPORT Act permits APhA and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education to offer pharmacists training that will fulfill the requirements under federal law for prescribing buprenorphine.
www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-R...
www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-R...
The FDA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service seized approximately 73,000 units of concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products—valued at roughly $1 million—from three firms in Missouri.
www.fda.gov/news-events/...
www.fda.gov/news-events/...
FDA Seizes 7-OH Opioids to Protect American Consumers
FDA Seizes 7-OH Opioids to Protect American Consumers
www.fda.gov
December 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The FDA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, announced today that the U.S. Marshals Service seized approximately 73,000 units of concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products—valued at roughly $1 million—from three firms in Missouri.
www.fda.gov/news-events/...
www.fda.gov/news-events/...
President Trump signed into law the SUPPORT Act, which reauthorizes a public health program that includes services to combat addiction and address mental health, as well as initiatives to bolster research and repay loans for professionals treating substance abuse.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Trump Signs Law to Unlock Billions for Drug Addiction Recovery
President Donald Trump on Monday signed into law a measure authorizing billions of dollars in federal funding to help prevent drug overdoses and aid patients recovering from addiction, according to th...
www.bloomberg.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:17 PM
President Trump signed into law the SUPPORT Act, which reauthorizes a public health program that includes services to combat addiction and address mental health, as well as initiatives to bolster research and repay loans for professionals treating substance abuse.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Workers in the mining industry have higher rates of substance use disorders compared with workers in most other industries. To address these issues, NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) developed a new resource guide.
blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-scienc...
blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-scienc...
NIOSH/MSHA Workplace Solutions Guide to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder in the Mining Industry | Blogs | CDC
CDC - Blogs - NIOSH Science Blog – NIOSH/MSHA Workplace Solutions Guide to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder in the Mining Industry -
blogs.cdc.gov
December 1, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Workers in the mining industry have higher rates of substance use disorders compared with workers in most other industries. To address these issues, NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) developed a new resource guide.
blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-scienc...
blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-scienc...
A study looked at state laws prohibiting prior authorization for MOUD in private insurance in the US. The number of states with such prohibitions grew from two in 2015 to twenty-two in 2023.
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1...
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1...
State Laws Banning Prior Authorization For Medications For Opioid Use Disorder Increased Substantially, 2015–23 | Health Affairs Journal
Prior authorization is a barrier to accessing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Although private insurance covered about one-third of patients with OUD in 2023, the understanding of prior au...
www.healthaffairs.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A study looked at state laws prohibiting prior authorization for MOUD in private insurance in the US. The number of states with such prohibitions grew from two in 2015 to twenty-two in 2023.
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1...
www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1...
A new multi-state study led by researchers at CU Anschutz found that nearly half of patients discharged with take-home methadone successfully connected to follow-up treatment within 72 hours. @cumedicalschool.bsky.social @cumedicine.bsky.social
news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories...
news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories...
Study Finds Take-Home Methadone at Hospital Discharge Can Be a Critical Turning Point in Opioid Recovery
CU Anschutz Leads Study That Finds Take-Home Methadone at Hospital Discharge Can Be a Critical Turning Point in Opioid Recovery
news.cuanschutz.edu
November 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
A new multi-state study led by researchers at CU Anschutz found that nearly half of patients discharged with take-home methadone successfully connected to follow-up treatment within 72 hours. @cumedicalschool.bsky.social @cumedicine.bsky.social
news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories...
news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories...
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Office has launched a statewide investigation into numerous kratom manufacturers and distributors operating in Missouri.
ago.mo.gov/attorney-gen...
ago.mo.gov/attorney-gen...
Attorney General Hanaway Launches Investigation Into Major Kratom Manufacturers And Retailers For Potentially Dangerous And Illegal Practices | Attorney General Office of Missouri
ago.mo.gov
November 21, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Office has launched a statewide investigation into numerous kratom manufacturers and distributors operating in Missouri.
ago.mo.gov/attorney-gen...
ago.mo.gov/attorney-gen...
Youth who adhered to an opioid use disorder prescription drug for a full year were less likely to experience an overdose compared to their peers who discontinued their treatment earlier, according to a study published in "Pediatrics." @ameracadpeds.bsky.social
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
Study Finds Adherence To Opioid Use Disorder Drug Buprenorphine Limits Likelihood Of Opioid Overdose
Youth who adhered to an opioid use disorder prescription drug for a full year were less likely to experience an overdose compared to their peers who discontinued their treatment earlier, according to ...
www.aap.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Youth who adhered to an opioid use disorder prescription drug for a full year were less likely to experience an overdose compared to their peers who discontinued their treatment earlier, according to a study published in "Pediatrics." @ameracadpeds.bsky.social
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
A federal bankruptcy court judge on Tuesday formally approved OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma’s plan to settle thousands of lawsuits over the harms of opioids.
thehill.com/policy/healt...
thehill.com/policy/healt...
thehill.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A federal bankruptcy court judge on Tuesday formally approved OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma’s plan to settle thousands of lawsuits over the harms of opioids.
thehill.com/policy/healt...
thehill.com/policy/healt...
Interested in driving change in addiction policy? Learn more about the Master of Science in Addiction Policy and Practice from Georgetown University's School of Health.
gradapply.georgetown.edu/register/?id...
gradapply.georgetown.edu/register/?id...
M.S. Addiction Policy & Practice Information Session
gradapply.georgetown.edu
November 17, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Interested in driving change in addiction policy? Learn more about the Master of Science in Addiction Policy and Practice from Georgetown University's School of Health.
gradapply.georgetown.edu/register/?id...
gradapply.georgetown.edu/register/?id...
A federal bankruptcy judge on Friday approved a $7.4 billion bankruptcy settlement for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that will end years of litigation over the company's role in the opioid epidemic.
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/o...
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/o...
Federal judge approves $7.4 billion bankruptcy settlement in OxyContin case
"Today cements the end of a long chapter," said Purdue board chairman Steve Miller.
www.axios.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
A federal bankruptcy judge on Friday approved a $7.4 billion bankruptcy settlement for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma that will end years of litigation over the company's role in the opioid epidemic.
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/o...
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/o...
Southern New Jersey's @cooperhealthnj.bsky.social has expanded its first-in-the-nation Bupe FIRST program to two New Jersey health systems: University Hospital in Newark and St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson.
blogs.cooperhealth.org/news/2025/11...
blogs.cooperhealth.org/news/2025/11...
Cooper Expands Nation’s First EMS Buprenorphine Program to Newark and Paterson - Inside Cooper
Cooper’s “Bupe FIRST” team has partnered with University Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health to launch and enhance EMS buprenorphine programs in North Jersey. (CAMDEN, N.J.) – People who are revived from...
blogs.cooperhealth.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Southern New Jersey's @cooperhealthnj.bsky.social has expanded its first-in-the-nation Bupe FIRST program to two New Jersey health systems: University Hospital in Newark and St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson.
blogs.cooperhealth.org/news/2025/11...
blogs.cooperhealth.org/news/2025/11...
A last-minute provision in the federal spending bill will re-criminalize many hemp-derived products, reversing their legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Congress tightens THC restrictions on hemp, closing farm bill loophole
The restrictions on hemp-derived THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, threaten to wipe out an industry worth approximately $30 billion, critics say.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:37 PM
A last-minute provision in the federal spending bill will re-criminalize many hemp-derived products, reversing their legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Nitazenes are a class of synthetic drugs 40 times more potent than fentanyl that have caused hundreds of confirmed deaths across Europe and the US since appearing on the radar of law enforcement agencies in 2019.
www.wired.com/story/a-new-...
www.wired.com/story/a-new-...
A New Type of Opioid Is Killing People in the US, Europe, and Australia
Nitazenes, a class of synthetic drugs 40 times more potent than fentanyl, are steadily becoming more common on both sides of the Atlantic.
www.wired.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Nitazenes are a class of synthetic drugs 40 times more potent than fentanyl that have caused hundreds of confirmed deaths across Europe and the US since appearing on the radar of law enforcement agencies in 2019.
www.wired.com/story/a-new-...
www.wired.com/story/a-new-...
Smoke shops in the Philadelphia area have been selling unregulated cannabis products that have gotten into children's hands, a Pennsylvania grand jury found.
www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia...
www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia...
Pennsylvania grand jury findings show need for smoke shop regulations, DAs say
Three District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Police announced findings of a grand jury investigation into smoke shops.
www.cbsnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Smoke shops in the Philadelphia area have been selling unregulated cannabis products that have gotten into children's hands, a Pennsylvania grand jury found.
www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia...
www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia...
Senate Democrats are urging the Trump administration to reverse recent firings at SAMHSA, arguing they undermine opioid crisis response.
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
Democrats Urge HHS to Reverse Layoffs at Mental Health Agency
Senate Democrats are urging the Trump administration to reverse recent firings at the lead health agency overseeing mental health and substance use disorder programs, arguing that the layoffs risk und...
news.bgov.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Senate Democrats are urging the Trump administration to reverse recent firings at SAMHSA, arguing they undermine opioid crisis response.
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, ruled that a lower court judge erred when he said West Virginia's public nuisance law did not apply to the lawsuit involving the distribution of opioids.
apnews.com/article/gene...
apnews.com/article/gene...
US appeals court overturns West Virginia landmark opioid lawsuit decision
A federal appeals court has overturned a landmark decision in an opioid lawsuit in West Virginia. A lower court judge had rejected attempts by an opioid-ravaged area to be compensated by U.S. drug dis...
apnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:28 PM
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, ruled that a lower court judge erred when he said West Virginia's public nuisance law did not apply to the lawsuit involving the distribution of opioids.
apnews.com/article/gene...
apnews.com/article/gene...
The DEA, in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the country, will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. #TakeBackDay
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
www.dea.gov
October 22, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The DEA, in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the country, will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. #TakeBackDay
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
www.dea.gov/press-releas...
The Trump administration has laid off between 100 and 150 workers at SAMHSA during the federal government shutdown.
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
Trump Administration Cuts Staff at Key Mental Health Agency
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sent reduction-in-force notices to employees working on mental health services, substance use prevention, and substance use treatment, acc...
news.bgov.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:52 PM
The Trump administration has laid off between 100 and 150 workers at SAMHSA during the federal government shutdown.
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
news.bgov.com/bloomberg-go...
The tendency to use cannabis is associated with genes linked to impulsive behavior, obesity, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, among other traits, according to a study released Monday by researchers at @ucsandiego.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Scientists identify key reason people may use or get addicted to cannabis
The study builds on growing genetic research into cannabis use, as policymakers grapple with the risks and benefits of the drug’s soaring popularity.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The tendency to use cannabis is associated with genes linked to impulsive behavior, obesity, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, among other traits, according to a study released Monday by researchers at @ucsandiego.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...