Federal Scientists Recommend Easing Restrictions on Marijuana
In newly disclosed documents, federal researchers find that cannabis may have medical uses and is less likely to cause harm than drugs like heroin. NYT > Health
Category: Health
F.D.A. Warned of Mental Side Effects from Asthma Drug, Singulair. Few Were Told.
Singulair, now a generic, is still used by millions of people in the United States even after thousands of patients and dozens of studies have described harm. NYT > Health
F.D.A. to Issue First Approval for Mass Drug Imports to States from Canada
The agency authorized Florida to purchase medicines directly from wholesalers in Canada, where prices are far cheaper. Pharmaceutical companies oppose the plan. NYT > Health
Serious Medical Errors Rose After Private Equity Firms Bought Hospitals
A new study shows an increase in the rate of inpatient complications, including infections and falls, though patients were no more likely to die. NYT > Health
Americans Are Signing Up for Obamacare in Record Numbers
On December 15 alone, nearly 750,000 people signed up for a plan on HealthCare.gov, the largest single-day total recorded so far. NYT > Health
This Gorilla’s Caregivers Face Familiar Questions About Aging
Winston, an older silverback, is getting enviable medical treatment. Now his keepers must confront an issue that vexes doctors and older humans, too: How much intervention is too much? NYT > Health
Gunfire Echoing Through School Grounds? Parents Are Terrified. Kids Stopped Noticing.
In a Rhode Island city, AR-15-style weapons at a police firing range comprise the soundtrack to the school day, inuring children to the threat of violence. NYT > Health
What to Know About the Effects of Ketamine
Matthew Perry’s death was attributed to the effects of high levels of the anesthetic drug, which is increasingly used to treat depression. NYT > Health
The Role of Unconscious Bias in Black Women’s Pregnancy Risks
Many Black women report feeling ignored or dismissed by doctors. The consequences can be deadly for mothers and babies. NYT > Health
F.D.A. Approves 2 Sickle Cell Treatments, One Using CRISPR Gene Editing
People with the genetic disease have new opportunities to eliminate their symptoms, but the treatments come with obstacles that limit their reach. NYT > Health