The Biden administration plans to reclassify marijuana as a lower-risk substance, a person familiar with the plans told CNN, a move that acknowledges the benefits of the long-criminalized drug and carries broad implications. Here’s the latest: lnkd.in/eptbeuKg

More people across the United States – nearly 40% – are living in places with unhealthy levels of polluted air, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. Here’s the latest: buff.ly/49X73R0

The US Food and Drug Administration is warning that dangerous counterfeit versions of Botox have been identified in multiple states, putting the safety of consumers at risk. Here's the latest: lnkd.in/e-GJKGfh

Around the world each year, tens of millions of people are told they have cancer and millions die from the disease. Now, a new report from American Cancer Society projects that by 2050, the number of people with cancer could rise 77%. Here’s the latest: buff.ly/49nU0Yv

The US Department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidance clarifying that hospitals must obtain written consent for sensitive exams, such as pelvic, breast or prostate exams – especially if patients will be under anesthesia during the exam. Here's the latest.

A new gene therapy for the fatal genetic disorder metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD, will carry a wholesale price of $4.25 million, according to its manufacturer, making it the world’s most expensive medicine. Here’s the latest: cnn.com/2024/03/19/hea…

The rollout is underway for Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill approved in the United States, as online sales have begun. Consumers can start ordering Opill online, and orders will be fulfilled within a day or two. Here's the latest: lnkd.in/eiGgfVnr

A tool that’s available as an online calculator played a key role in actress Olivia Munn’s discovery that she had breast cancer – even after she had “a normal mammogram,” according to a social media post. Here's the latest: lnkd.in/e6ygNZfG

Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill approved in the US, will be available in stores and online this month, with a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a one-month supply, says Perrigo, the company behind the product. Here's the latest: lnkd.in/ek-yC3XR

A new analysis of more than 430,000 adults in the United States finds that using cannabis daily is associated with a 42% increased risk of stroke and 25% increased risk of heart attack. Here's the latest: lnkd.in/ej7S8u9R

A CNN analysis finds at least 33 states and DC have naloxone vending machines that anyone can use. Over-the-counter naloxone, known by the brand name Narcan, is an inhaled medication that reverses an opioid overdose while it’s happening. Here's the latest: buff.ly/3STuggo

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication called Xolair to help lessen the severity of an accidental allergic reaction in people who are allergic to multiple foods. Here’s the latest.

Smoking is so harmful to the body that it changes a person’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to more disease and infection even years after they’ve quit, a new study finds. This adds to our understanding of the risks of smoking. Here's the latest: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38355791/

The US Food and Drug Administration has warned that it’s seized “thousands of units” of counterfeit versions of the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic from the US drug supply chain, and it’s urging suppliers, pharmacies and patients to use caution. Here’s the latest.

Lead contamination in some cinnamon applesauce pouches that sickened dozens of young children may have been an “intentional act,” an FDA official told Politico. There have been at least 65 reports of illnesses linked to these pouches. Here's the latest: lnkd.in/eexbhSef

Poison control centers across the United States say they are seeing a steep increase in calls related to semaglutide, an injected medication used for diabetes and weight loss, with some people reporting symptoms related to accidental overdoses. Here’s the latest.

ChatGPT can answer some medical questions correctly, but it might not be a cure-all for medication queries related to drug interactions or side effects, according to new research on the free version of the artificial intelligence tool. Here’s the latest: rb.gy/cgrhiq

There’s growing concern about how the Israel-Hamas conflict may raise the risk of disease spread and illness in Gaza. If the health infrastructure is not repaired, there could be more deaths from disease than from airstrikes, World Health Organization (WHO) says. Here's the latest: buff.ly/3uRDzoH

Scientists have created tiny living robots from human cells that may one day be able to help heal wounds or damaged tissue, according to a new study. The team at Harvard’s Wyss Institute and Tufts University dubbed these creations “anthrobots.” Here's the latest.

More people died by suicide in the United States last year than any other year on record, according to provisional data from the NCHS. This means, sadly, the number of reported suicide deaths in the US reached a record high. Here’s the latest: cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr…