SNAP, Covid lawsuits, weed and alcohol: Morning Rounds

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Good morning. Calley Means is set to join the Trump administration as a senior adviser, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. A year ago, both Calley and Casey Means were considered “Whos” on the Who Weekly scale, but has that changed now? Are these entrepreneurs-turned-MAHA-leaders now considered “Thems”? Let us know your thoughts.

Could Smoking Weed Reduce Alcohol Consumption?

In a groundbreaking randomized trial, individuals who smoked weed consumed less alcohol in the two hours following compared to those who did not. The study, published today, examined the alcohol consumption of participants who smoked different potency levels of weed and a placebo. Interestingly, those who smoked the most potent product drank the least amount of alcohol.

While the results are intriguing and the study was well-designed, both the lead author and external experts advise against using this data to promote the “California sober” lifestyle or as evidence to support smoking weed as a way to reduce alcohol consumption. For more insights, read STAT’s Lev Facher’s in-depth analysis on the study.

Assessing a SNAP Incentive Program in Rhode Island

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his MAHA allies have been advocating for restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including bans on soda and candy. While some experts support this approach, many argue that incentives are more effective than bans in promoting healthier diets. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open explored the effectiveness of a SNAP incentive program in Rhode Island.

The program provided SNAP recipients with a $0.50 credit for every dollar spent on fresh fruits and vegetables, automatically loaded onto their EBT cards. The study followed 725 participants in Rhode Island and 361 in Connecticut as a comparison group. Results showed that participants who already consumed higher amounts of fruits and vegetables significantly increased their intake through the program. However, those with lower baseline consumption did not show a significant change. The authors suggested that better implementation, including more partnerships with grocery chains and enhanced outreach, could enhance the program’s effectiveness.

$7 Billion Settlement by Sackler Family

The Sackler family members have agreed to pay $7 billion over 15 years to settle thousands of lawsuits related to the harms of opioids. This settlement, approved by a federal bankruptcy court judge, is among the largest in a series of opioid settlements totaling around $50 billion against various drugmakers, wholesalers, and pharmacies. Learn more about where the settlement funds will be allocated and the implications for the Sackler family.

Legal Landscape for Covid-era Lawsuits

Physician assistant Debra Conrad, who was terminated by Rochester Regional in 2021 for documenting alleged Covid vaccine side effects, is now suing her former employer. She alleges that the health system committed fraud by failing to report vaccine side effects. This lawsuit is part of a wave of Covid pandemic-era legal actions that have gained momentum. Vaccine-injury attorneys are developing new legal strategies to shape policy. Get insights from STAT’s Isabella Cueto on existing cases, legal perspectives, and their impact on Kennedy’s objectives.

Weekly Mini Crossword Challenge

This week’s mini crossword features some legal terms. Can you solve them all? Test your skills now.

RFK Jr’s Thimerosal Warnings

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine critic, recently urged countries to ban the use of the preservative thimerosal in vaccines. Infectious disease experts are skeptical that other nations will follow suit, but they are concerned about the spread of doubt and misinformation that could impact vaccination rates worldwide. Read STAT’s Helen Branswell’s analysis on the implications of Kennedy’s stance, the history of thimerosal use, and the scientific facts surrounding the ingredient.