FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Against MDMA-Assisted Therapy, OH Effectively Bans Nine Synthetic Opioids & More

FDA Advisory Panel Rejects Use of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

An advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration rejected the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Among other things the panelists raised concerns about the potential for abuse of MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or molly, which generates feelings of bliss and well-being. The panel’s vote isn’t binding on the FDA, but the agency often does what its advisory panels recommend. The agency is expected to make a final decision in mid-August. (NEW YORK TIMES)

OH Makes Nine Synthetic Opioids Schedule I Drugs

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) issued an executive order reclassifying nine synthetic opioids as Schedule I drugs, effectively banning them in the state. DeWine said the narcotics, known as nitaznes—created decades ago as alternatives to morphine but never approved for medical use—have been turning up more often in the state’s illegal drug supply. (CENTER SQUARE)

MS Authorizes State Health Insurance Exchange

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) allowed legislation (HB 1647) authorizing the establishment of a state-health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act to become law without his signature. Nineteen states already operate their own exchanges instead of relying on the federal one. Mississippi is unlikely to have its exchange operational before next year. (MAGNOLIA TRIBUNE, LEXISNEXIS STATE NET)

—Compiled by SNCJ Managing Editor KOREY CLARK

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