In a decisive move to protect youth from nicotine addiction, the Canadian government is banning the sale of flavoured nicotine pouches in convenience stores and gas stations. This policy change, effective August 28, 2024, requires these products to be sold exclusively behind pharmacy counters, significantly limiting their accessibility. This decision stems from growing concerns about...
Category: Regulatory Actions
FDA Cracks Down on Delta-8 THC Product Violations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant action against White Label Leaf LLC and Flying Monkey US LLC by issuing a warning letter concerning their Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. This warning highlights critical regulatory violations and raises concerns about the safety and marketing practices of Delta-8 THC products. Key Violations Identified by...
FDA’s Abrupt Withdrawal: The Unfinished Kratom Study
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has increasingly become a subject of debate in the U.S. and beyond. Known for its pain-relief and stimulant properties, kratom has garnered significant attention due to its rising popularity and potential health risks. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to halt a proposed study on...
Maternal Substance Abuse on Trial: Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
A groundbreaking legal case is unfolding in the Netherlands, where a 39-year-old woman from Rijsbergen is on trial for allegedly endangering her unborn child by consuming alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. This case, reported by Omroep Brabant, marks the first instance of legal action against a mother for such behaviour in the Netherlands, highlighting significant...
Efforts to Shut Down Illegal Cannabis Operators Across New York State
In an ambitious effort to clamp down on illegal cannabis operations, New York State has embarked on a significant campaign to close unlicensed cannabis shops. This initiative, spearheaded by the state’s governor, Kathy Hochul, underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting licensed cannabis retailers and maintaining regulatory compliance across the industry. The Role of the Illicit...
States Ramp Up Kratom Crackdowns Amid Health Concerns
States and cities across the United States are intensifying efforts to regulate kratom, a controversial herb known for its opioid- and stimulant-like effects, which has been linked to several overdose deaths. Despite being sold legally at various retail outlets, kratom poses significant health risks, including nausea, seizures, and even death at high doses. The lack...
Washington State Expands K-9 Units to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
Washington state is implementing a new program to train dogs to detect fentanyl, a move supported by bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding the state’s fentanyl-detecting K-9 units. The program, spearheaded by the Department of Corrections, trains these dogs to assist in various settings, including prisons and local law enforcement agencies. The initiative follows the passage...
Cannabis Recall Chaos in Missouri: Over 135,000 Products Affected
Missouri is facing its second massive cannabis recall, involving over 135,000 marijuana products, as state regulators issued notices affecting products from C&C Manufacturing, LLC and NGWMO LLC. This recall surpasses last year’s in scale, marking an unprecedented event in the state’s cannabis industry. The Division of Cannabis Regulation highlighted that the recalled products were either...
Lykos Under Fire: FDA Rejection Exposes Deep Flaws in Drug Trials
Lykos Therapeutics has announced significant staff reductions following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rejection of their application for the use of MDMA capsules in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the biotech company, necessitating a strategic shift as they work to address the FDA’s concerns...
U.S. Lawmakers Target Fentanyl Trafficking with New Legislation
In response to the escalating fentanyl crisis, U.S. lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at curbing the influx of illicit fentanyl into the country. The proposal, spearheaded by a bipartisan group of legislators, focuses on enhancing border security measures, increasing penalties for traffickers, and providing more resources for law enforcement agencies. The legislation seeks to...