January 2025 Newsletter
Prepared by Van Scoyoc Associates 

Brain Structure Differences Associated with Early Substance Use Among Adolescents
A study of nearly 10,000 adolescents funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified distinct differences in the brain structures of those who used substances before age 15 compared to those who did not. Read more here.  

Cannabis Scheduling Hearings Delayed at Least Three Months
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) judge canceled an upcoming hearing on the Biden administration’s marijuana rescheduling proposal pending appeals, effectively kicking the process to the Trump administration. Read more here.

A New Roadmap for Cannabis and Cannabis Policy Research
The greatly increased availability of cannabis over the last two decades has outpaced our understanding of the public-health impacts of the drug according to a new blog post by NIDA Director Nora Volkow. Read post here.

FDA Proposes Limit on Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes
On January 15, the FDA released a plan to limit nicotine levels in cigarettes. The agency is seeking public comment on the rule, but the proposal's fate is unclear given the change in administration. Read more here.

HHS Clarifies THC
The Department of Health and Human Services recently clarified its drug testing terminology to be clearer about which cannabis compounds it is testing for. The new verbiage will be effective on July 7. Read more here.

Children and Exposure to Secondhand Cannabis Smoke
According to a new study in JAMA Network Open, children who live in homes where adults smoke cannabis inside were significantly more likely to have detectable marijuana metabolites in their urine. Read more here.

Medical Marijuana Use and Cannabis-Use Disorder
According to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry, people who used marijuana primarily for medical needs had higher rates of consumption and a greater prevalence of cannabis use disorder than their counterparts who consumed the drug primarily for recreational purposes. Read more here.

HHS Communications Freeze
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a freeze on public communications, including publications of documents, regulations, guidance, notices, grant announcements, website updates, press releases, social media, and participating in public speaking engagements for employees at HHS agencies, including NIH, until such communications can be reviewed by administration officials. The pause was in effect through February 1, however as of release of this newsletter no additional guidance has been issued. Read more here.

Matthew Memoli M.D., M.S. to Serve as Acting NIH Director
The NIH announced Matthew J. Memoli, M.D., M.S. will be serving as Acting NIH Director as the nomination of Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., awaits confirmation by the Senate. Dr. Memoli previously served as Director of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases (LID) Clinical Studies Unit within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Read more here.

Agencies Release Virtual Prescribing Rules
On January 15, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released three rules pertaining to the virtual prescribing of controlled substances. Read more here.

Senate Committees Holds RFK, Jr. Confirmation Hearings
HHS Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., appeared before the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee for two confirmation hearings. Read more here.

President Trump Issues Executive Order on PCAST
On Jan. 23, the White House announced the formation of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). PCAST will advise the President on matters related to science, technology, education, and innovation policy for two years from Jan. 23, unless extended by the President. Read more here.

Study On Cannabis and Brain Function Finds Impact on Working Memory
A new study published January 28 in JAMA Network Open explores the effects of both recent and lifetime cannabis use on brain function during cognitive tasks. Read more here.

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Rosters Announced
On January 29, the Senate Appropriations Committee announced their subcommittee leadership and rosters. New Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee members include Senators Markwayne Mullins (R-OK) and Mike Rounds (R-SD). Read more here.

White House Order Freezes Most Federal Grants
On January 27th, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at the White House, Matthew Vaeth, issued a memo to temporarily pause agency grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs, said to have been issued to “identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements.” The temporary pause in obligations and disbursements was initially intended to go into effect at 5:00pm on January 28th, however, was temporarily delayed by a federal court, followed by a rescission of the OMB memo. Only hours later, the White House press secretary claimed the intent of the memo was not rescinded. Read more here.

 

 

 

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